The nature, power, deceit, and prevalency of the remainders of indwelling-sin in believers together with the wayes of its working and means of prevention opened, evinced, and applyed with a resolution of sundry cases of conscience thereunto appertaining.
         Owen, John, 1616-1683.
      
       
         
           1675
        
      
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             The nature, power, deceit, and prevalency of the remainders of indwelling-sin in believers together with the wayes of its working and means of prevention opened, evinced, and applyed with a resolution of sundry cases of conscience thereunto appertaining.
             Owen, John, 1616-1683.
          
           [4], 298 p.
           
             Printed for Thomas Cockerill,
             London :
             1675.
          
           
             Reproduction of original in: New College (University of Edinburgh). Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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         eng
      
       
         
           Sin.
           Conscience, Examination of.
           Man (Theology)
        
      
    
     
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               Sold
               by
               Sam
               l
               :
               James
               Bookseller
               at
               the
               Bible
               in
               Gutter
               Lane
               Cheap
               side
               London
               Where
               may
               be
               had
               Bibles
               &
               Common
               Prayers
               .
               Books
               of
               Divinity
               ,
               History
               ,
               Physick
               ,
               Mathematicks
               ,
               Poetry
               ,
               Voyages
               and
               Travels
               &c.
               
            
             
               
                 N.
                 B.
              
               Ready
               Mony
               for
               any
               Library
               or
               Parcel
               of
               Books
            
             
               Sam
               l.
               Sympson
               Sculp
               t
            
          
        
      
       
         
         
           THE
           Nature
           ,
           Power
           ,
           Deceit
           ,
           and
           Prevalency
           of
           the
           remainders
           of
           Indwelling-Sin
           IN
           BELIEVERS
           .
        
         
           Together
           with
           the
           wayes
           of
           its
           Working
           ,
           And
           Means
           of
           Prevention
           .
           Opened
           ,
           evinced
           and
           applyed
           ,
           with
           a
           Resolution
           of
           sundry
           Cases
           of
           Conscience
           thereunto
           appertaining
           .
        
         
           
             O
             wretched
             man
             that
             I
             am
             ,
             who
             shall
             deliver
             me
             from
             this
             Body
             of
             Death
             !
             I
             thank
             God
             through
             Jesus
             Christ
             our
             Lord
             ,
          
           
             Rom.
             7.
             24
             ,
             25.
             
          
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           for
           
             Thomas
             Cockerill
          
           ,
           at
           the
           Sign
           of
           the
           Atlas
           in
           Cornhil
           near
           the
           Royal
           Exchange
           .
           1675.
           
           
           
           
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           THE
           PREFACE
           .
        
         
           THAT
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           
             Original
             Sin
          
           ,
           is
           one
           of
           the
           fundamental
           Truths
           of
           our
           Christian
           Profession
           ,
           hath
           been
           alwayes
           owned
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           God.
           And
           an
           especial
           part
           it
           is
           of
           that
           peculiar
           possession
           of
           truth
           ,
           which
           they
           enjoy
           ,
           whose
           Religion
           towards
           God
           is
           built
           upon
           ,
           and
           resolved
           into
           Divine
           Revelation
           .
           As
           the
           world
           by
           its
           Wisdom
           never
           knew
           God
           aright
           ,
           so
           the
           Wise
           Men
           of
           it
           were
           always
           utterly
           ignorant
           of
           this
           inbred
           evil
           in
           themselves
           and
           others
           .
           With
           us
           the
           Doctrine
           and
           Conviction
           of
           it
           ,
           lie
           in
           the
           very
           foundation
           of
           all
           wherein
           we
           have
           to
           do
           with
           God
           ,
           in
           reference
           unto
           our
           pleasing
           of
           him
           here
           ,
           or
           obtaining
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           him
           hereafter
           .
           It
           is
           also
           known
           what
           influence
           it
           hath
           into
           the
           great
           truths
           concerning
           the
           Person
           of
           Christ
           ,
           his
           mediation
           ,
           the
           fruits
           and
           effects
           of
           it
           ,
           with
           all
           the
           benefits
           that
           we
           are
           made
           partakers
           of
           thereby
           .
           Without
           
           a
           supposition
           of
           it
           ,
           not
           any
           of
           them
           can
           be
           truly
           known
           ,
           or
           savingly
           believed
           .
           For
           this
           cause
           hath
           it
           been
           largely
           treated
           of
           by
           many
           holy
           and
           
             Learned
             Men
          
           ,
           both
           of
           old
           and
           of
           latter
           dayes
           .
           Some
           have
           laboured
           in
           the
           discovery
           of
           
             its
             nature
          
           ,
           some
           of
           its
           guilt
           and
           demerit
           ;
           by
           whom
           also
           the
           truth
           concerning
           it
           hath
           been
           vindicated
           from
           the
           opposition
           made
           unto
           it
           ,
           in
           the
           past
           and
           present
           Ages
           .
           By
           most
           these
           things
           have
           been
           considered
           in
           their
           
             full
             extent
          
           and
           latitude
           ,
           with
           respect
           unto
           all
           men
           by
           nature
           ,
           with
           the
           estate
           and
           condition
           of
           them
           who
           are
           wholly
           under
           the
           power
           and
           guilt
           of
           it
           .
           How
           thereby
           men
           are
           disenabled
           and
           incapacitated
           in
           themselves
           to
           answer
           the
           obedience
           required
           either
           in
           the
           Law
           ,
           or
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           free
           themselves
           from
           the
           Curse
           of
           the
           one
           or
           to
           make
           themselves
           partakers
           of
           the
           blessing
           of
           the
           other
           ,
           hath
           been
           by
           many
           also
           fully
           evinced
           .
           Moreover
           ,
           that
           there
           are
           Remainders
           of
           it
           abiding
           in
           Believers
           after
           their
           Regeneration
           and
           Conversion
           to
           God
           ,
           as
           the
           Scripture
           abundantly
           testifies
           ;
           so
           it
           hath
           been
           fully
           taught
           and
           confirmed
           ;
           as
           also
           how
           the
           guilt
           of
           it
           is
           pardoned
           unto
           them
           ,
           and
           by
           what
           means
           the
           power
           of
           it
           is
           weakened
           in
           them
           .
           All
           these
           things
           I
           say
           have
           been
           largely
           treated
           on
           ,
           to
           the
           great
           benefit
           and
           edification
           of
           the
           Church
           .
           In
           what
           
           we
           have
           now
           in
           design
           ,
           we
           therfore
           take
           them
           all
           for
           granted
           ,
           and
           endeavour
           only
           farther
           to
           carry
           on
           the
           discovery
           of
           it
           in
           its
           actings
           and
           oppositions
           to
           the
           Law
           and
           Grace
           of
           God
           in
           Believers
           .
           Neither
           do
           I
           intend
           the
           discussing
           of
           any
           thing
           that
           hath
           been
           controverted
           about
           it
           .
           What
           the
           Scripture
           plainly
           revealeth
           &
           teacheth
           concerning
           it
           ,
           what
           Believers
           evidently
           find
           by
           experience
           in
           themselves
           ,
           what
           they
           may
           learn
           from
           the
           Examples
           and
           acknowledgments
           of
           others
           ,
           shall
           be
           represented
           in
           a
           way
           suited
           unto
           the
           capacity
           of
           the
           meanest
           and
           weakest
           who
           is
           concerned
           therein
           .
           And
           many
           things
           seem
           to
           render
           the
           handling
           of
           it
           at
           this
           season
           ,
           not
           unnecessary
           .
           The
           Effects
           and
           fruits
           of
           it
           which
           we
           see
           in
           the
           Apostasies
           and
           backslidings
           of
           many
           ,
           the
           scandalous
           sins
           and
           miscarriages
           of
           some
           ,
           and
           the
           course
           and
           lives
           of
           the
           most
           ,
           seem
           to
           call
           for
           a
           due
           consideration
           of
           it
           .
           Besides
           of
           how
           great
           concernment
           a
           full
           and
           clear
           acquaintance
           with
           the
           power
           of
           this
           Indwelling-Sin
           (
           the
           matter
           design'd
           to
           be
           opened
           )
           is
           unto
           Believers
           ,
           to
           stir
           them
           up
           to
           watchfulness
           and
           diligence
           ,
           to
           faith
           and
           prayer
           ,
           to
           call
           them
           to
           repentance
           ,
           humility
           ,
           &
           self-abasement
           ,
           will
           appear
           in
           our
           progress
           .
           These
           in
           general
           were
           the
           ends
           aimed
           at
           in
           the
           ensuing
           Discourse
           ,
           which
           being
           at
           first
           composed
           and
           delivered
           
           for
           the
           use
           and
           benefit
           of
           a
           few
           ,
           is
           now
           by
           the
           Providence
           of
           God
           made
           publick
           .
           And
           if
           the
           Reader
           receive
           any
           advantage
           by
           these
           weak
           endeavours
           ,
           let
           him
           know
           that
           it
           is
           his
           duty
           ,
           as
           to
           give
           Glory
           unto
           God
           ,
           so
           to
           help
           them
           by
           his
           prayers
           ,
           who
           in
           many
           temptations
           and
           Afflictions
           are
           willing
           to
           labour
           in
           the
           Vineyard
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           unto
           which
           work
           they
           are
           called
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           CHAP.
           I.
           
        
         
           
             Indwelling-Sin
             in
             Believers
             ,
             treated
             of
             by
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             Rom.
             7.
             21.
             
             The
             Place
             explained
             .
          
        
         
           IT
           is
           of
           Indwelling-sin
           ,
           and
           that
           in
           the
           remainders
           of
           it
           in
           Persons
           after
           their
           Conversion
           to
           God
           ,
           with
           its
           power
           ,
           efficacy
           ,
           and
           effects
           ,
           that
           we
           intend
           to
           treat
           .
           This
           also
           is
           the
           great
           design
           of
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           to
           manifest
           and
           evince
           in
           c.
           7.
           of
           the
           Epistle
           to
           the
           Romans
           .
           Many
           indeed
           are
           the
           contests
           about
           the
           principal
           scope
           of
           the
           Apostle
           in
           that
           Chapter
           ,
           and
           in
           what
           state
           the
           Person
           is
           ,
           under
           the
           Law
           ,
           or
           under
           Grace
           whose
           condition
           he
           expresseth
           therein
           .
           I
           shall
           not
           at
           present
           enter
           into
           that
           dispute
           ,
           but
           take
           that
           for
           granted
           ,
           which
           may
           be
           undeniably
           proved
           and
           evinced
           ;
           namely
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           the
           condition
           of
           a
           
             Regenerate
             Person
          
           ,
           with
           respect
           unto
           the
           remaining
           power
           of
           Indwelling-sin
           ,
           which
           is
           there
           proposed
           ,
           and
           exemplified
           by
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Person
           of
           the
           Apostle
           himself
           .
           In
           that
           discourse
           therefore
           of
           his
           ,
           shall
           the
           foundation
           be
           laid
           of
           what
           we
           have
           to
           offer
           upon
           this
           subject
           .
           Not
           that
           I
           shall
           proceed
           in
           an
           Exposition
           of
           his
           Revelation
           of
           this
           Truth
           ,
           
           as
           it
           lies
           in
           its
           own
           contexture
           ,
           but
           only
           make
           use
           of
           what
           is
           delivered
           by
           him
           ,
           as
           occasion
           shall
           offer
           it self
           .
           And
           here
           first
           occurreth
           ,
           that
           which
           he
           affirms
           ,
           ver
           .
           21.
           
           
             I
             find
             then
             a
             Law
             ,
             that
             when
             I
             would
             do
             good
             ,
             evil
             is
             present
             with
             me
             .
          
        
         
           There
           are
           
             four
             things
          
           observable
           in
           these
           words
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           The
           Appellation
           he
           gives
           unto
           Indwelling-Sin
           ,
           whereby
           the
           expresseth
           its
           power
           and
           efficacy
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           Law.
           For
           that
           which
           he
           terms
           a
           Law
           ,
           in
           this
           verse
           ,
           he
           calls
           in
           the
           foregoing
           ,
           
             sin
             that
             dwelleth
             in
             him
          
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           The
           way
           whereby
           he
           came
           to
           the
           discovery
           of
           this
           Law
           ,
           not
           absolutely
           ,
           and
           in
           its
           own
           nature
           ,
           but
           in
           himself
           ,
           he
           found
           it
           ;
           
             I
             find
             a
             Law.
          
           
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           The
           frame
           of
           his
           soul
           and
           inward
           Man
           with
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           under
           its
           discovery
           ,
           
             He
             would
             do
             good
          
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           The
           state
           and
           activity
           of
           this
           Law
           ,
           when
           the
           soul
           is
           in
           that
           frame
           ,
           when
           it
           would
           do
           good
           ,
           
             it
             is
             present
             with
             him
          
           .
           For
           what
           ends
           and
           purposes
           we
           shall
           shew
           afterwards
           .
        
         
           The
           first
           thing
           observable
           is
           the
           Compellation
           here
           used
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           he
           calls
           Indwelling-Sin
           a
           Law.
           It
           is
           a
           Law.
           
        
         
           A
           Law
           is
           taken
           either
           properly
           ,
           for
           a
           
             directive
             Rule
          
           ;
           or
           improperly
           ,
           for
           an
           
             operative
             effective
             Principle
          
           ,
           which
           seems
           to
           have
           the
           force
           of
           a
           Law.
           In
           its
           first
           sense
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           Moral
           Rule
           which
           directs
           and
           commands
           ,
           and
           sundry
           wayes
           moves
           and
           regulates
           the
           mind
           ,
           and
           the
           will
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           things
           which
           it
           requires
           ,
           or
           forbids
           .
           This
           is
           evidently
           the
           general
           nature
           and
           work
           of
           a
           Law.
           Some
           
           things
           it
           commands
           ,
           some
           things
           it
           forbids
           ,
           with
           Rewards
           and
           Penalties
           ,
           which
           move
           and
           impel
           men
           to
           do
           the
           one
           ,
           and
           avoid
           the
           other
           .
           Hence
           in
           a
           secondary
           sense
           ,
           an
           
             inward
             principle
          
           ,
           that
           moves
           and
           enclines
           constantly
           unto
           any
           Actions
           ,
           is
           called
           a
           Law.
           The
           principle
           that
           is
           in
           the
           nature
           of
           every
           thing
           ,
           moving
           and
           carrying
           it
           towards
           its
           own
           end
           and
           rest
           ,
           is
           called
           the
           
             Law
             of
             Nature
          
           .
           In
           this
           respect
           every
           inward
           principle
           that
           inclineth
           and
           urgeth
           unto
           operations
           or
           actings
           suitable
           to
           it self
           ,
           is
           a
           Law.
           So
           Rom.
           8.
           2.
           
           The
           powerful
           and
           effectual
           working
           of
           the
           Spirit
           and
           grace
           of
           Christ
           in
           the
           hearts
           of
           Believers
           ,
           is
           called
           the
           
             Law
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             life
             .
          
           And
           for
           this
           reason
           doth
           the
           Apostle
           here
           call
           Indwelling-sin
           a
           Law.
           It
           is
           a
           powerful
           and
           effectual
           indwelling-principle
           ,
           inclining
           and
           pressing
           unto
           actions
           agreeable
           and
           suitable
           unto
           its
           own
           nature
           .
           This
           and
           no
           other
           is
           the
           intention
           of
           the
           Apostle
           in
           this
           expression
           .
           For
           although
           that
           term
           ,
           a
           Law
           ,
           may
           sometimes
           intend
           a
           state
           and
           condition
           ,
           and
           if
           here
           so
           used
           ,
           the
           meaning
           of
           the
           words
           should
           be
           ,
           
             I
             find
             that
             this
             is
             my
             condition
             ,
             this
             is
             the
             state
             of
             things
             with
             me
             ,
          
           that
           when
           I
           would
           do
           good
           evil
           is
           present
           with
           me
           ,
           which
           makes
           no
           great
           alteration
           in
           the
           principal
           intendment
           of
           the
           place
           ;
           yet
           properly
           it
           can
           denote
           nothing
           here
           ,
           but
           the
           chief
           subject
           treated
           of
           .
           For
           although
           the
           name
           of
           a
           Law
           be
           variously
           used
           by
           the
           Apostle
           in
           this
           Chapter
           ;
           yet
           when
           it
           relates
           unto
           sin
           ,
           it
           is
           nowhere
           applyed
           by
           him
           to
           the
           condition
           of
           the
           person
           ,
           but
           only
           to
           express
           either
           the
           nature
           ,
           or
           the
           power
           of
           sin
           it self
           :
           so
           ver
           .
           23.
           
           
             I
             see
             another
             
             Law
             in
             my
             members
             ,
             warring
             against
             the
             Law
             of
             my
             mind
             ,
             and
             bringing
             me
             into
             captivity
             unto
             the
             law
             of
             sin
             which
             is
             in
             my
             Members
             .
          
           That
           which
           he
           here
           calls
           the
           
             Law
             of
             his
             mind
          
           ,
           from
           the
           principal
           subject
           and
           seat
           of
           it
           ,
           is
           in
           it self
           no
           other
           but
           the
           
             Law
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             life
             ,
          
           which
           is
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           chap.
           8.
           2.
           or
           the
           effectual
           power
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           grace
           ,
           as
           was
           said
           .
           But
           the
           Law
           as
           applyed
           unto
           sin
           ,
           hath
           a
           double
           sense
           ;
           for
           as
           in
           the
           first
           place
           ,
           
             I
             see
             a
             Law
             in
             my
             Members
             ,
          
           it
           denotes
           the
           being
           and
           nature
           of
           sin
           ;
           so
           in
           the
           latter
           ,
           
             leading
             into
             captivity
             to
             the
             Law
             of
             sin
             which
             is
             in
             my
             Members
             ,
          
           it
           signifies
           its
           power
           &
           efficacy
           .
           And
           both
           these
           are
           comprised
           in
           the
           same
           name
           singly
           used
           ,
           ver
           .
           20.
           
           Now
           that
           which
           we
           observe
           from
           this
           name
           ,
           or
           term
           of
           a
           Law
           attributed
           unto
           sin
           ,
           is
           ,
           That
           
             There
             is
             an
             exceeding
             efficacy
             and
             power
             in
             the
             remainders
             of
             Indwelling-sin
             in
             Believers
             ,
             with
             a
             constant
             working
             towards
             evil
             .
          
        
         
           Thus
           it
           is
           in
           Believers
           ,
           't
           is
           a
           Law
           even
           
             in
             them
          
           ,
           though
           not
           
             to
             them
          
           .
           Though
           its
           rule
           be
           broken
           ,
           its
           strength
           weakned
           and
           impaired
           ,
           its
           root
           mortified
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           a
           Law
           still
           of
           great
           force
           and
           efficacy
           .
           There
           where
           't
           is
           least
           felt
           ,
           it
           is
           most
           powerful
           .
           Carnal
           men
           in
           reference
           unto
           spiritual
           &
           moral
           duties
           ,
           are
           nothing
           but
           this
           Law
           ,
           they
           do
           nothing
           but
           from
           it
           ,
           and
           by
           it
           .
           It
           is
           in
           them
           a
           ruling
           and
           prevailing
           principle
           of
           all
           moral
           actions
           ,
           with
           reference
           unto
           a
           supernatural
           and
           eternal
           end
           .
           I
           shall
           not
           consider
           it
           in
           them
           in
           whom
           it
           hath
           most
           power
           ,
           but
           in
           them
           in
           whom
           its
           power
           is
           chiefly
           discovered
           and
           discerned
           ,
           that
           is
           in
           Believers
           ,
           in
           the
           others
           only
           in
           order
           to
           
           the
           farther
           conviction
           and
           manifestation
           thereof
           .
        
         
           2dly
           ,
           The
           Apostle
           proposeth
           the
           way
           whereby
           he
           discovered
           this
           Law
           in
           himself
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             I
             find
             then
          
           ,
           or
           therefore
           a
           Law.
           He
           found
           it
           ;
           it
           had
           been
           told
           him
           there
           was
           such
           a
           Law
           ,
           it
           had
           been
           preached
           unto
           him
           .
           This
           convinced
           him
           ,
           that
           there
           was
           a
           
             Law
             of
             Sin.
          
           But
           it
           is
           one
           thing
           for
           a
           man
           to
           know
           in
           general
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           a
           
             Law
             of
             Sin
          
           :
           Another
           thing
           for
           a
           man
           to
           have
           an
           experience
           of
           the
           power
           of
           this
           Law
           of
           sin
           in
           himself
           .
           It
           is
           preached
           to
           all
           ;
           all
           men
           that
           own
           the
           Scripture
           acknowledge
           it
           ,
           as
           being
           declared
           therein
           ;
           but
           they
           are
           but
           few
           that
           know
           it
           in
           themselves
           ,
           we
           should
           else
           have
           more
           complaints
           of
           it
           than
           we
           have
           ,
           and
           more
           contendings
           against
           it
           ,
           and
           less
           fruits
           of
           it
           in
           the
           world
           .
           But
           this
           is
           that
           which
           the
           Apostle
           affirms
           ;
           not
           that
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           it
           had
           been
           preached
           unto
           him
           ,
           but
           that
           he
           found
           it
           by
           experience
           in
           himself
           .
           
             I
             find
             a
             Law
          
           ;
           I
           have
           experience
           of
           its
           power
           and
           efficacy
           .
           For
           a
           man
           to
           find
           his
           sickness
           and
           danger
           thereon
           from
           its
           effects
           ,
           is
           another
           thing
           than
           to
           hear
           a
           discourse
           about
           a
           disease
           from
           its
           causes
           .
           And
           this
           experience
           is
           the
           great
           preservative
           of
           all
           Divine
           Truths
           in
           the
           soul.
           This
           it
           is
           to
           know
           a
           thing
           indeed
           ,
           in
           reality
           ,
           
             to
             know
             it
             for
             our selves
          
           ,
           when
           as
           we
           are
           taught
           it
           from
           the
           Word
           ,
           so
           we
           find
           it
           in
           our selves
           .
           Hence
           we
           observe
           ,
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           
             Believers
             have
             experience
             of
             the
             power
             and
             efficacy
             of
             Indwelling-Sin
             .
          
           They
           find
           it
           in
           themselves
           ,
           they
           find
           it
           as
           a
           Law.
           It
           h●th
           a
           self-evidencing
           efficacy
           to
           them
           that
           are
           alive
           to
           discern
           it
           :
           They
           that
           find
           not
           its
           power
           ,
           are
           under
           
           its
           Dominion
           .
           Whosoever
           contend
           against
           it
           ,
           shall
           know
           and
           find
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           present
           with
           them
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           powerful
           in
           them
           .
           He
           shall
           find
           the
           stream
           to
           be
           strong
           ,
           who
           swims
           against
           it
           ,
           though
           he
           who
           rouls
           along
           with
           it
           ,
           be
           insensible
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           The
           general
           frame
           of
           Believers
           notwithstanding
           the
           inhabitation
           of
           
             this
             Law
             of
             Sin
          
           ,
           is
           here
           also
           expressed
           .
           
             They
             would
             do
             good
          
           .
           This
           Law
           is
           present
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           .
           The
           habitual
           inclination
           of
           their
           will
           is
           unto
           good
           .
           This
           Law
           in
           them
           ,
           is
           not
           a
           Law
           unto
           them
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           to
           Unbelievers
           .
           They
           are
           not
           wholly
           obnoxious
           to
           its
           power
           ,
           nor
           morally
           unto
           its
           commands
           .
           Grace
           hath
           the
           Soveraignty
           in
           their
           souls
           ;
           This
           gives
           them
           a
           Will
           unto
           good
           ;
           
             they
             would
             do
             good
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           alwayes
           and
           constantly
           ,
           1
           John
           3.
           9.
           
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             to
             commit
             sin
          
           ,
           is
           to
           make
           a
           trade
           of
           sin
           ,
           to
           make
           it
           a
           mans
           business
           to
           sin
           ;
           so
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           a
           Believer
           doth
           not
           
             commit
             sin
          
           .
           And
           so
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           to
           do
           that
           which
           is
           good
           ;
           to
           will
           to
           do
           so
           ;
           is
           to
           have
           the
           habitual
           bent
           and
           inclination
           of
           the
           will
           set
           on
           that
           which
           is
           good
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           morally
           and
           spiritually
           good
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           proper
           subject
           treated
           of
           ;
           whence
           is
           our
           Third
           Observation
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           through
           grace
           kept
           up
           in
           Believers
           ,
           a
           constant
           and
           ordinarily
           prevailing
           wil
           of
           doing
           good
           ,
           notwithstanding
           the
           power
           and
           efficacy
           of
           Indwelling-Sin
           to
           the
           contrary
           .
        
         
           This
           in
           their
           worst
           condition
           ,
           distinguisheth
           them
           from
           Unbelievers
           in
           their
           best
           .
           The
           Will
           in
           unbelievers
           is
           under
           the
           power
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           .
           The
           opposition
           they
           make
           to
           sin
           ,
           either
           in
           the
           root
           ,
           or
           
           branches
           of
           it
           ,
           is
           from
           their
           light
           ,
           and
           their
           consciences
           ;
           the
           
             will
             of
             sinning
          
           in
           them
           is
           never
           taken
           away
           ▪
           Take
           away
           all
           other
           considerations
           &
           hinderances
           ,
           whereof
           we
           shall
           treat
           afterwards
           ,
           and
           they
           would
           sin
           willingly
           always
           .
           Their
           faint
           endeavours
           to
           answer
           their
           convictions
           ,
           are
           far
           from
           
             a
             will
             of
             doing
             that
             which
             is
             good
             .
          
           They
           will
           plead
           indeed
           ,
           that
           they
           would
           leave
           their
           sins
           ,
           if
           they
           could
           ,
           and
           they
           would
           fain
           do
           better
           than
           they
           do
           .
           But
           it
           is
           the
           working
           of
           their
           Light
           and
           Convictions
           ,
           not
           any
           spiritual
           inclination
           of
           their
           wills
           ,
           which
           they
           intend
           by
           that
           expression
           .
           For
           where
           there
           is
           a
           will
           of
           doing
           good
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           choice
           of
           that
           which
           is
           good
           for
           its
           own
           excellency
           sake
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           desirable
           and
           suitable
           to
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           therefore
           to
           be
           preferred
           before
           that
           which
           is
           contrary
           .
           Now
           this
           is
           not
           in
           any
           unbelievers
           ;
           they
           do
           not
           ,
           they
           cannot
           so
           chuse
           that
           which
           is
           spiritually
           good
           ,
           nor
           is
           it
           so
           excellent
           or
           suitable
           unto
           any
           principle
           that
           is
           in
           them
           :
           only
           they
           have
           some
           desires
           to
           attain
           that
           end
           ,
           whereunto
           that
           which
           is
           good
           doth
           lead
           ,
           and
           to
           avoid
           that
           evil
           which
           the
           neglect
           of
           it
           tends
           unto
           .
           And
           these
           also
           are
           for
           the
           most
           part
           so
           weak
           and
           languid
           in
           many
           of
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           put
           them
           not
           upon
           any
           considerable
           endeavours
           ;
           witness
           that
           luxury
           ,
           sloth
           ,
           worldliness
           and
           security
           ,
           that
           the
           generality
           of
           men
           are
           even
           drowned
           in
           .
           But
           in
           believers
           there
           is
           a
           will
           of
           doing
           good
           ,
           an
           habitual
           disposition
           and
           inclination
           in
           their
           wills
           unto
           that
           which
           is
           spiritually
           good
           .
           And
           where
           this
           is
           ,
           it
           is
           accompanied
           with
           answerable
           effects
           .
           The
           will
           is
           the
           principle
           of
           our
           moral
           actions
           ,
           and
           therefore
           unto
           the
           
             prevailing
             
             disposition
          
           thereof
           ,
           will
           the
           general
           course
           of
           our
           actings
           be
           suited
           .
           Good
           things
           will
           proceed
           from
           the
           good
           treasures
           of
           the
           heart
           .
           Nor
           can
           this
           disposition
           be
           evidenced
           to
           be
           in
           any
           but
           by
           its
           fruits
           .
           A
           will
           of
           doing
           good
           ,
           without
           doing
           good
           ,
           is
           but
           pretended
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           There
           is
           yet
           another
           thing
           remaining
           in
           these
           words
           of
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           arising
           from
           that
           respect
           that
           the
           presence
           of
           sin
           hath
           unto
           the
           time
           and
           season
           of
           
             duty
             :
             When
             I
             would
             do
             good
             ,
          
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           
             evils
             is
             present
             with
             me
          
           .
        
         
           There
           are
           two
           thing
           to
           be
           considered
           in
           the
           
             will
             of
             doing
             good
          
           ,
           that
           is
           in
           Believers
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           There
           is
           its
           
             habitual
             residence
          
           in
           them
           .
           They
           have
           always
           an
           
             habitual
             inclination
             of
             will
          
           unto
           that
           which
           is
           good
           .
           And
           this
           habitual
           preparation
           for
           good
           is
           always
           present
           with
           them
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           expresses
           it
           ,
           ver
           .
           18.
           of
           this
           Chapter
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           There
           are
           special
           times
           and
           seasons
           for
           the
           exercise
           of
           that
           principle
           .
           There
           is
           a
           ,
           
             When
             I
             would
             do
             good
          
           ,
           a
           season
           wherein
           this
           or
           that
           good
           ,
           this
           or
           that
           duty
           is
           to
           be
           performed
           and
           accomplished
           ,
           suitably
           unto
           the
           habitual
           preparation
           and
           inclination
           of
           the
           will.
           
        
         
           Unto
           these
           two
           ,
           there
           are
           two
           things
           in
           Indwelling-sin
           opposed
           .
           To
           the
           
             gracious
             principle
          
           residing
           in
           the
           will
           ,
           inclining
           unto
           that
           which
           is
           spiritually
           good
           ,
           it
           is
           opposed
           as
           it
           is
           a
           Law
           that
           is
           a
           
             contrary
             priciple
          
           inclining
           unto
           evil
           ,
           with
           an
           aversation
           from
           that
           which
           is
           good
           .
           Unto
           the
           second
           ,
           or
           the
           actual
           willing
           of
           this
           or
           that
           good
           in
           particular
           ,
           unto
           this
           ,
           
             when
             I
             would
             do
             good
          
           ,
           is
           opposed
           the
           presence
           of
           this
           Law
           ,
           
             evil
             is
             present
             with
             me
          
           ,
           
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ;
           evil
           is
           at
           hand
           and
           ready
           to
           oppose
           the
           
             actual
             accomplishment
          
           of
           the
           good
           aimed
           at
           .
           Whence
           ,
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           Indwelling-sin
           is
           effectually
           operative
           in
           rebelling
           and
           inclining
           to
           evil
           ,
           when
           the
           will
           of
           doing
           good
           is
           in
           a
           particular
           manner
           active
           ,
           and
           inclining
           unto
           obedience
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           is
           the
           description
           of
           him
           who
           is
           a
           Believer
           ,
           and
           a
           sinner
           ,
           as
           every
           one
           who
           is
           the
           former
           ,
           he
           is
           the
           latter
           also
           .
           These
           are
           the
           contrary
           principles
           ,
           and
           the
           contrary
           operations
           that
           are
           in
           him
           .
           The
           principles
           are
           a
           
             will
             of
             doing
             good
          
           on
           the
           one
           hand
           ,
           from
           grace
           ,
           and
           a
           
             Law
             of
             sin
          
           on
           the
           other
           .
           Their
           adverse
           actings
           and
           operations
           are
           insinuated
           in
           those
           expressions
           ,
           
             When
             I
             would
             do
             good
             ,
             evil
             is
             present
             with
             me
             .
          
           And
           these
           both
           are
           more
           fully
           expressed
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           Gal.
           5.
           17.
           
           
             For
             the
             flesh
             lusteth
             against
             the
             spirit
             ,
             and
             the
             spirit
             against
             the
             flesh
             ,
             and
             these
             are
             contrary
             the
             one
             to
             the
             other
             ;
             so
             that
             I
             cannot
             do
             the
             things
             that
             I
             would
             .
          
        
         
           And
           here
           lie
           the
           springs
           of
           the
           whole
           course
           of
           our
           obedience
           .
           An
           acquaintance
           with
           these
           several
           principles
           ,
           and
           their
           actings
           ,
           is
           the
           principal
           part
           of
           our
           wisdom
           .
           They
           are
           ,
           upon
           the
           matter
           ,
           next
           to
           the
           free
           grace
           of
           God
           in
           our
           Justification
           by
           the
           blood
           of
           Christ
           ,
           the
           only
           things
           wherein
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           and
           our
           own
           souls
           are
           concern'd
           .
           These
           are
           the
           springs
           of
           our
           holiness
           ,
           and
           our
           sins
           ,
           of
           our
           joys
           and
           troubles
           ,
           of
           our
           refreshments
           and
           sorrows
           .
           It
           is
           then
           all
           our
           concernments
           to
           be
           throughly
           acquainted
           with
           these
           things
           ,
           who
           intend
           to
           walk
           with
           God
           ,
           or
           to
           glorifie
           him
           in
           this
           world
           .
        
         
         
           And
           hence
           we
           may
           see
           what
           wisdom
           is
           required
           ,
           in
           the
           guiding
           &
           management
           of
           our
           hearts
           &
           ways
           before
           God.
           Where
           the
           subjects
           of
           a
           Ruler
           are
           in
           fewds
           &
           oppositions
           one
           against
           another
           ,
           unless
           great
           wisdom
           be
           used
           in
           the
           government
           of
           the
           whole
           ,
           all
           things
           will
           quickly
           be
           ruinous
           in
           that
           State.
           There
           are
           these
           contrary
           principles
           in
           the
           hearts
           of
           Believers
           ,
           and
           if
           they
           labour
           not
           to
           be
           spiritually
           wise
           ,
           how
           shall
           they
           be
           able
           to
           steer
           their
           course
           aright
           ?
           Many
           men
           live
           in
           the
           dark
           to
           themselves
           all
           their
           days
           ;
           what
           ever
           else
           they
           know
           ,
           they
           know
           not
           themselves
           .
           They
           know
           their
           outward
           estates
           ,
           how
           rich
           they
           are
           ,
           and
           the
           condition
           of
           their
           bodies
           as
           to
           health
           and
           sickness
           they
           are
           careful
           to
           examine
           ;
           but
           as
           to
           their
           
             inward
             man
          
           ,
           and
           their
           principles
           as
           to
           God
           and
           Eternity
           ,
           they
           know
           little
           or
           nothing
           of
           themselves
           .
           Indeed
           few
           labour
           to
           grow
           wise
           in
           this
           matter
           ,
           few
           study
           themselves
           as
           they
           ought
           ,
           are
           acquainted
           with
           the
           evil
           of
           their
           own
           hearts
           as
           they
           ought
           ,
           on
           which
           yet
           the
           whole
           course
           of
           their
           obedience
           ,
           and
           consequently
           of
           their
           eternal
           condition
           doth
           depend
           .
           This
           therefore
           is
           our
           wisdom
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           a
           needful
           wisdom
           ,
           if
           we
           have
           any
           design
           to
           please
           God
           ,
           or
           to
           avoid
           that
           which
           is
           a
           provocation
           to
           the
           eyes
           of
           his
           glory
           .
        
         
           We
           shall
           find
           also
           in
           our
           inquiry
           hereinto
           ,
           what
           diligence
           and
           watchfulness
           is
           required
           unto
           a
           Christian
           conversation
           .
           There
           is
           a
           constant
           enemy
           unto
           it
           in
           every
           ones
           heart
           :
           and
           what
           an
           enemy
           it
           is
           we
           shall
           afterwards
           show
           ,
           for
           this
           is
           our
           design
           to
           discover
           him
           to
           the
           uttermost
           .
           In
           the
           mean
           time
           we
           may
           well
           bewail
           the
           woful
           sloth
           and
           negligence
           
           that
           is
           in
           the
           most
           ,
           even
           of
           Professors
           .
           They
           live
           and
           walk
           as
           though
           they
           intended
           to
           go
           to
           heaven
           hood-wink●
           ,
           and
           asleep
           ,
           as
           though
           they
           had
           no
           enemy
           to
           deal
           withall
           .
           Their
           mistake
           therefore
           and
           folly
           will
           be
           fully
           laid
           open
           in
           our
           Progress
           .
        
         
           That
           which
           I
           shall
           principally
           fix
           upon
           ,
           in
           reference
           unto
           our
           present
           design
           ,
           from
           this
           place
           of
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           is
           that
           which
           was
           first
           laid
           down
           ,
           namely
           ,
           that
           
             there
             is
             an
             exceeding
             efficacy
             and
             power
             in
             the
             remainder
             of
             indwelling-sin
             in
             Believers
             ,
             with
             a
             constant
             inclination
             and
             working
             towards
             evil
             .
          
        
         
           Awake
           therefore
           ,
           all
           of
           you
           in
           whose
           hearts
           are
           any
           thing
           of
           the
           ways
           of
           God.
           Your
           enemy
           is
           not
           only
           upon
           you
           ,
           as
           on
           Sampson
           of
           old
           ,
           but
           is
           
             in
             you
          
           also
           .
           He
           is
           at
           work
           by
           all
           ways
           of
           force
           and
           craft
           ,
           as
           we
           shall
           see
           .
           Would
           you
           not
           dishonour
           God
           and
           his
           Gospel
           ,
           would
           you
           not
           scandalize
           the
           Saints
           and
           ways
           of
           God
           ,
           would
           you
           not
           wound
           your
           consciences
           ,
           and
           endanger
           your
           souls
           ,
           would
           you
           not
           grieve
           the
           good
           and
           holy
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           Author
           of
           all
           your
           comforts
           ;
           would
           you
           keep
           your
           garments
           undefiled
           ,
           and
           escape
           the
           woful
           temptations
           and
           pollutions
           of
           the
           days
           wherein
           we
           live
           ;
           would
           you
           be
           preserved
           from
           the
           number
           of
           the
           Apostates
           in
           these
           latter
           days
           ?
           awake
           to
           the
           consideration
           of
           this
           cursed
           enemy
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           spring
           of
           all
           these
           and
           innumerable
           other
           evils
           ,
           as
           also
           of
           the
           ruine
           of
           all
           the
           souls
           that
           perish
           in
           this
           world
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           CHAP.
           II.
           
        
         
           
             Indwelling●Sin
             a
             Law.
             In
             what
             sense
             it
             is
             so
             called
             .
             What
             kind
             of
             Law
             it
             is
             .
             An
             inward
             effective
             Principle
             called
             a
             Law.
             The
             power
             of
             sin
             thence
             evinced
             .
          
        
         
           THat
           which
           we
           have
           proposed
           unto
           consideration
           is
           the
           
             power
             and
             efficacy
             of
             Indwelling-sin
          
           .
           The
           ways
           whereby
           it
           may
           be
           evinced
           are
           many
           .
           I
           shall
           begin
           with
           the
           Appellation
           of
           it
           in
           the
           place
           before
           mentioned
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           
             Law
             ;
             I
             find
             a
             Law
             ,
          
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           .
           It
           is
           because
           of
           its
           power
           and
           efficacy
           that
           it
           is
           so
           called
           ;
           so
           is
           also
           the
           principle
           of
           grace
           in
           Believers
           the
           
             Law
             of
             the
             spirit
             of
             life
             ,
          
           as
           we
           observed
           before
           ,
           Rom.
           8.
           3.
           which
           is
           the
           
             exceeding
             greatness
             of
             the
             power
             of
             God
             in
             them
             ,
             Ephes.
          
           1.
           19.
           
           Where
           there
           is
           a
           Law
           ▪
           there
           is
           power
           .
        
         
           We
           shall
           therefore
           shew
           both
           what
           belongs
           unto
           it
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           a
           Law
           in
           general
           ,
           and
           also
           what
           is
           peculiar
           or
           proper
           in
           it
           ,
           as
           being
           
             such
             a
             Law
          
           as
           we
           have
           described
           .
        
         
           There
           are
           in
           general
           two
           things
           attending
           every
           Law
           ,
           as
           such
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           
             Dominion
             .
             Rom.
          
           7.
           1.
           
           
             The
             Law
             hath
             dominion
             over
             a
             man
             whilst
             he
             liveth
          
           ;
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           it
           Lordeth
           it
           over
           a
           man.
           Where
           any
           Law
           takes
           place
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           it
           hath
           dominion
           .
           It
           is
           properly
           the
           
             act
             of
             a
             Superiour
          
           ,
           and
           it
           belongs
           to
           its
           nature
           to
           exact
           obedience
           by
           way
           of
           dominion
           .
           Now
           there
           is
           a
           two-fold
           dominion
           ,
           as
           there
           is
           a
           two-fold
           Law.
           
           There
           is
           a
           moral
           authoritative
           dominion
           over
           a
           man
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           a
           
             real
             effective
          
           dominion
           in
           a
           man.
           The
           first
           is
           an
           affection
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           latter
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           .
           The
           Law
           of
           sin
           hath
           not
           in
           it self
           a
           
             moral
             dominion
          
           ,
           it
           hath
           not
           a
           rightful
           dominion
           or
           authority
           over
           any
           man
           ,
           but
           it
           hath
           that
           which
           is
           equivalent
           unto
           it
           ;
           whence
           it
           is
           said
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           to
           reign
           as
           a
           King
           ,
           Rom.
           6.
           12.
           and
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           to
           Lord
           it
           ,
           or
           have
           dominion
           ,
           ver
           .
           14.
           as
           a
           Law
           in
           general
           is
           said
           to
           have
           ,
           chap.
           7.
           1.
           
           But
           because
           it
           hath
           lost
           its
           
             complete
             dominion
          
           ,
           in
           reference
           unto
           Believers
           ,
           of
           whom
           alone
           we
           speak
           ,
           I
           shall
           not
           insist
           upon
           it
           in
           this
           utmost
           extent
           of
           its
           power
           .
           But
           even
           in
           them
           it
           is
           a
           Law
           still
           ,
           though
           not
           a
           
             Law
             unto
          
           them
           ;
           yet
           ,
           as
           was
           said
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           Law
           in
           them
           .
           And
           though
           it
           have
           not
           a
           complete
           ,
           and
           as
           it
           were
           a
           
             rightful
             dominion
          
           over
           them
           ,
           yet
           it
           will
           have
           a
           domination
           as
           to
           some
           things
           in
           them
           .
           It
           is
           still
           a
           Law
           ,
           and
           that
           in
           them
           ,
           so
           that
           all
           its
           actings
           are
           the
           actings
           of
           a
           Law
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           it
           acts
           with
           power
           ,
           though
           it
           have
           lost
           its
           complete
           power
           of
           ruling
           in
           them
           .
           Though
           it
           be
           weakened
           ,
           yet
           its
           nature
           is
           not
           changed
           .
           It
           is
           a
           Law
           still
           ,
           and
           therefore
           powerful
           .
           And
           as
           its
           particular
           workings
           (
           which
           we
           shall
           afterwards
           consider
           )
           are
           the
           ground
           of
           this
           Appellation
           ,
           so
           the
           term
           it self
           teacheth
           us
           in
           general
           ,
           what
           we
           are
           to
           expect
           from
           it
           ,
           and
           what
           endeavours
           it
           will
           use
           for
           dominion
           ,
           to
           which
           it
           hath
           been
           accustomed
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           A
           Law
           ,
           as
           a
           Law
           ,
           hath
           an
           efficacy
           to
           provoke
           those
           that
           are
           obnoxious
           unto
           it
           unto
           the
           things
           that
           it
           requireth
           .
           A
           Law
           hath
           Rewards
           and
           Punishments
           accompanying
           of
           it
           .
           These
           secretly
           
           prevail
           on
           them
           to
           whom
           they
           are
           proposed
           ,
           though
           the
           things
           commanded
           be
           not
           much
           desirable
           ,
           And
           generally
           all
           Laws
           have
           their
           efficacy
           on
           the
           minds
           of
           men
           from
           the
           Rewards
           and
           Punishments
           that
           are
           annexed
           unto
           them
           .
           Nor
           is
           this
           Law
           without
           this
           spring
           of
           power
           :
           it
           hath
           its
           rewards
           and
           punishments
           .
           The
           pleasures
           of
           sin
           are
           the
           rewards
           of
           sin
           ;
           a
           reward
           that
           most
           men
           lose
           their
           souls
           to
           obtain
           .
           By
           this
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           ,
           contended
           in
           Moses
           against
           the
           Law
           of
           grace
           ,
           Heb.
           11.
           25
           ,
           26.
           
           
             He
             chose
             rather
             to
             suffer
             afflictions
             with
             the
             people
             of
             God
             ,
             than
             to
             enjoy
             the
             pleasures
             of
             sin
             for
             a
             season
             ;
             for
             he
             looked
             unto
             the
             recompence
             of
             reward
             .
          
           The
           contest
           was
           in
           his
           mind
           between
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           the
           Law
           of
           grace
           .
           The
           motive
           on
           the
           part
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           ,
           wherewith
           it
           sought
           to
           draw
           him
           over
           ,
           and
           wherewith
           it
           prevails
           on
           the
           most
           ,
           was
           the
           reward
           that
           it
           proposed
           unto
           him
           ,
           namely
           that
           he
           should
           have
           the
           present
           enjoyment
           of
           the
           
             pleasures
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           By
           this
           it
           contended
           against
           the
           reward
           annexed
           unto
           the
           Law
           of
           Grace
           ,
           called
           the
           
             Recompence
             of
             reward
          
           .
        
         
           By
           this
           
             sorry
             reward
          
           doth
           this
           Law
           keep
           the
           world
           in
           obedience
           to
           its
           commands
           .
           And
           experience
           shew
           us
           ,
           of
           what
           power
           it
           is
           to
           influence
           the
           minds
           of
           men
           .
           It
           hath
           also
           Punishments
           that
           it
           threatens
           men
           with
           ,
           who
           labour
           to
           cast
           off
           its
           yoke
           .
           What
           ever
           evil
           ,
           trouble
           or
           danger
           in
           the
           world
           attends
           Gospel
           obedience
           ;
           what
           ever
           hardship
           or
           violence
           is
           to
           be
           offered
           to
           the
           sensual
           part
           of
           our
           natures
           in
           a
           strict
           course
           of
           mortification
           ,
           sin
           makes
           use
           of
           as
           if
           they
           were
           punishments
           attending
           the
           neglect
           of
           its
           commands
           .
           By
           these
           it
           
           prevails
           on
           the
           fearful
           ,
           who
           shall
           have
           no
           share
           in
           life
           eternal
           ,
           Rev.
           21.
           8.
           
           And
           it
           is
           hard
           to
           say
           by
           whether
           of
           these
           ,
           its
           pretended
           rewards
           ,
           or
           pretended
           punishments
           ,
           it
           doth
           most
           prevail
           ,
           in
           whether
           of
           them
           its
           greatest
           strength
           doth
           lie
           .
           By
           its
           rewards
           it
           inticeth
           men
           to
           sins
           of
           commission
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           called
           ,
           in
           ways
           and
           actions
           tending
           to
           the
           satisfaction
           of
           its
           lusts
           .
           By
           its
           punishments
           it
           induceth
           men
           to
           the
           omitting
           of
           duties
           ,
           a
           course
           tending
           to
           no
           less
           a
           pernicious
           event
           than
           the
           former
           .
           By
           which
           of
           these
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           hath
           its
           greatest
           success
           in
           and
           upon
           the
           souls
           of
           men
           ,
           is
           not
           evident
           ,
           and
           that
           because
           they
           are
           seldom
           or
           never
           separated
           ,
           but
           equally
           take
           place
           on
           the
           same
           persons
           .
           But
           this
           is
           certain
           ,
           that
           by
           tenders
           and
           promises
           of
           the
           pleasures
           of
           sin
           on
           the
           one
           hand
           ,
           by
           threats
           of
           the
           deprivation
           of
           all
           sensual
           contentments
           ;
           and
           the
           infliction
           of
           temporal
           evils
           on
           the
           other
           ,
           it
           hath
           an
           exceeding
           efficacy
           on
           the
           minds
           of
           men
           ,
           oftentimes
           of
           Believers
           themselves
           .
           Unless
           a
           man
           be
           prepared
           to
           reject
           the
           reasonings
           that
           will
           offer
           themselves
           from
           the
           one
           and
           the
           other
           of
           these
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           standing
           before
           the
           power
           of
           this
           Law.
           The
           world
           falls
           before
           them
           every
           day
           ,
           With
           what
           deceit
           and
           violence
           they
           are
           urged
           and
           imposed
           on
           the
           minds
           of
           men
           ,
           we
           shall
           afterwards
           declare
           ;
           as
           also
           what
           advantages
           they
           have
           to
           prevail
           upon
           them
           .
           Look
           on
           the
           generality
           of
           men
           ,
           and
           you
           shall
           find
           them
           wholly
           by
           these
           means
           at
           sins
           disposal
           .
           Do
           the
           profits
           and
           pleasures
           of
           sin
           lie
           before
           them
           ,
           nothing
           can
           withhold
           them
           from
           reaching
           after
           them
           .
           Do
           difficulties
           and
           inconveniencies
           attend
           the
           duties
           of
           the
           
           Gospel
           ,
           they
           will
           have
           nothing
           to
           do
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           so
           are
           wholly
           given
           up
           to
           the
           Rule
           and
           Dominion
           of
           this
           Law.
           
        
         
           And
           this
           l●ght
           in
           general
           we
           have
           into
           the
           power
           and
           efficacy
           of
           Indwelling-sin
           from
           the
           general
           nature
           of
           a
           Law
           ,
           whereof
           it
           is
           partaker
           .
        
         
           We
           may
           consider
           nextly
           what
           
             kind
             of
             Law
          
           in
           particular
           it
           is
           ,
           which
           will
           farther
           evidence
           that
           power
           of
           it
           ,
           which
           we
           are
           enquiring
           after
           .
           It
           is
           not
           an
           outward
           ,
           written
           ,
           commanding
           ,
           directing
           Law
           ,
           but
           an
           inbred
           ,
           working
           ,
           impelling
           ,
           urging
           Law.
           A
           Law
           proposed
           unto
           us
           ,
           is
           not
           to
           be
           compared
           for
           efficacy
           to
           a
           Law
           inbred
           in
           us
           .
           Adam
           had
           a
           Law
           of
           sin
           proposed
           to
           him
           in
           his
           temptation
           ,
           but
           because
           he
           had
           no
           Law
           of
           Sin
           inbred
           and
           working
           in
           him
           ,
           he
           might
           have
           withstood
           it
           .
           An
           inbred
           Law
           must
           needs
           be
           effectual
           .
           Let
           us
           take
           an
           example
           from
           that
           Law
           ,
           which
           is
           contrary
           to
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin.
           The
           Law
           of
           God
           ,
           was
           at
           first
           inbred
           and
           natural
           unto
           man
           ,
           it
           was
           concreated
           with
           his
           faculties
           ,
           and
           was
           their
           rectitude
           both
           in
           being
           and
           operation
           in
           reference
           to
           his
           end
           of
           living
           unto
           God
           ,
           and
           glorifying
           of
           him
           .
           Hence
           it
           had
           an
           especial
           power
           in
           the
           whole
           soul
           ,
           to
           enable
           it
           unto
           all
           obedience
           ,
           yea
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           all
           obedience
           easie
           and
           pleasant
           .
           Such
           is
           the
           power
           of
           an
           inbred
           Law.
           And
           though
           this
           Law
           as
           to
           the
           rule
           and
           dominion
           of
           it
           ,
           be
           now
           by
           nature
           cast
           out
           of
           the
           soul
           ,
           yet
           the
           remaining
           sparks
           of
           it
           ,
           because
           they
           are
           inbred
           ,
           are
           very
           powerful
           and
           effectual
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           declares
           ,
           Rom.
           2.
           14
           ,
           15.
           
           Afterwards
           God
           renews
           this
           Law
           ,
           and
           writes
           it
           in
           Tables
           of
           Stone
           ;
           but
           what
           is
           the
           efficacy
           of
           this
           Law
           ;
           will
           it
           now
           
           as
           it
           is
           external
           ,
           and
           proposed
           unto
           men
           ,
           enable
           them
           to
           perform
           the
           things
           that
           it
           exacts
           and
           requires
           ?
           not
           at
           all
           .
           God
           knew
           it
           would
           not
           ,
           unless
           it
           were
           turned
           to
           an
           
             internal
             Law
          
           again
           ;
           that
           is
           untill
           of
           a
           moral
           outward
           rule
           ,
           it
           be
           turned
           into
           an
           inward
           real
           principle
           .
           Wherefore
           God
           makes
           his
           Law
           internal
           again
           ,
           and
           implants
           it
           on
           the
           heart
           as
           it
           was
           at
           first
           ,
           when
           he
           intends
           to
           give
           it
           power
           to
           produce
           obedience
           in
           his
           people
           ,
           Jer.
           31.
           31
           ,
           32
           ,
           33.
           
           
             I
             will
             put
             my
             Law
             in
             their
             inward
             parts
             ,
             and
             write
             it
             in
             their
             hearts
             .
          
           This
           is
           that
           which
           God
           fixeth
           on
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           upon
           a
           discovery
           of
           the
           insufficiency
           of
           an
           outward
           Law
           leading
           men
           unto
           Obedience
           .
           The
           written
           Law
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           will
           not
           do
           it
           ;
           Mercies
           and
           Deliverances
           from
           distress
           will
           not
           effect
           it
           ;
           Trials
           and
           Afflictions
           will
           not
           accomplish
           it
           ;
           then
           saith
           the
           Lord
           ,
           will
           I
           take
           another
           course
           ;
           I
           will
           turn
           the
           
             written
             Law
          
           ,
           into
           an
           
             internal
             living
             Principle
          
           ,
           in
           their
           hearts
           ,
           and
           that
           will
           have
           such
           an
           efficacy
           ,
           as
           shall
           assuredly
           make
           them
           my
           People
           ,
           and
           keep
           them
           so
           .
           Now
           such
           is
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin
           ,
           it
           is
           an
           
             Indwelling-Law
             ,
             Rom.
          
           7.
           17.
           
           It
           is
           
             sin
             that
             dwelleth
             in
             me
          
           ,
           ver
           .
           20.
           
           
             Sin
             that
             dwelleth
             in
             me
          
           ,
           ver
           .
           21.
           
           It
           is
           
             present
             with
             me
          
           ,
           ver
           .
           23.
           
           It
           is
           
             in
             my
             Members
          
           ;
           yea
           ,
           it
           is
           so
           far
           in
           a
           man
           ,
           as
           in
           some
           sense
           it
           is
           said
           to
           be
           the
           man
           himself
           ,
           ver
           .
           18.
           
           
             I
             know
             that
             in
             me
             ,
             that
             is
             in
             my
             flesh
             there
             dwelleth
             no
             good
             thing
             .
          
           The
           flesh
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           Seat
           and
           Throne
           of
           this
           Law
           ,
           yea
           ,
           which
           indeed
           is
           this
           Law
           ,
           is
           in
           some
           sense
           the
           man
           himself
           ,
           as
           Grace
           also
           is
           the
           new
           man.
           Now
           from
           this
           consideration
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           an
           Indwelling-Law
           inclining
           and
           moving
           to
           sin
           ,
           as
           an
           inward
           habit
           or
           Principle
           ,
           it
           
           hath
           sundry
           advantages
           increasing
           its
           strength
           and
           farthering
           its
           power
           .
           As
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           It
           alwayes
           abides
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           it
           is
           never
           absent
           .
           The
           Apostle
           twice
           useth
           that
           expression
           ,
           it
           dwelleth
           in
           me
           .
           There
           is
           its
           constant
           residence
           and
           habitation
           .
           If
           it
           came
           upon
           the
           soul
           only
           at
           certain
           seasons
           ,
           much
           obedience
           might
           be
           perfectly
           accomplished
           in
           its
           absence
           .
           Yea
           ,
           and
           as
           they
           deal
           with
           
             usurping
             Tyrants
          
           ,
           whom
           they
           intend
           to
           thrust
           out
           of
           a
           City
           ,
           the
           gates
           might
           be
           sometimes
           shut
           against
           it
           ,
           that
           it
           might
           not
           return
           .
           The
           soul
           might
           fortifie
           it self
           against
           it
           .
           But
           the
           soul
           is
           its
           home
           ,
           there
           it
           dwells
           ,
           and
           is
           no
           wanderer
           .
           Where
           ever
           you
           are
           ,
           whatever
           you
           are
           about
           ,
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin
           is
           alwayes
           
             in
             you
          
           .
           In
           the
           best
           that
           you
           do
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           worst
           .
           Men
           little
           consider
           what
           a
           dangerous
           companion
           is
           alwayes
           at
           home
           with
           them
           .
           When
           they
           are
           in
           Company
           ,
           when
           alone
           ,
           by
           night
           or
           by
           day
           ,
           all
           is
           one
           ,
           sin
           is
           with
           them
           .
           There
           is
           a
           living
           coal
           continually
           in
           their
           houses
           ,
           which
           if
           i●
           be
           not
           looked
           unto
           ,
           will
           fire
           them
           ,
           and
           it
           may
           be
           consume
           them
           .
           O
           the
           woful
           security
           of
           poor
           souls
           !
           How
           little
           do
           the
           most
           of
           men
           think
           of
           this
           Inbred
           Enemy
           ,
           that
           is
           never
           from
           home
           !
           How
           little
           for
           the
           most
           part
           doth
           the
           watchfulness
           of
           any
           Professors
           answer
           the
           danger
           of
           their
           state
           and
           condition
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           is
           alwayes
           ready
           to
           apply
           it self
           to
           every
           end
           and
           purpose
           that
           it
           serves
           unto
           .
           It
           doth
           not
           only
           
             dwell
             in
             me
          
           ,
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             but
             when
             I
             would
             do
             good
             ,
             it
             is
             present
             with
             me
             :
          
           There
           is
           somewhat
           more
           in
           that
           expression
           ,
           than
           meer
           indwelling
           .
           An
           Inmate
           may
           dwell
           in
           an
           house
           ,
           and
           yet
           not
           be
           alwayes
           m●dling
           with
           what
           the
           good
           
           man
           of
           the
           house
           hath
           to
           do
           ,
           (
           that
           so
           we
           may
           keep
           to
           the
           allusion
           of
           Indwelling
           ,
           used
           by
           the
           Apostle
           .
           )
           But
           it
           is
           so
           with
           this
           Law
           ,
           it
           doth
           so
           dwell
           in
           us
           ,
           as
           that
           it
           will
           be
           
             present
             with
             us
          
           in
           every
           thing
           we
           do
           ,
           yea
           ,
           oftentimes
           when
           with
           most
           earnestness
           we
           desire
           to
           be
           quit
           of
           it
           ,
           with
           most
           violence
           it
           will
           put
           it self
           upon
           us
           :
           
             When
             I
             would
             do
             good
             ,
             it
             is
             present
             with
             me
             .
          
           Would
           you
           pray
           ,
           would
           you
           hear
           ,
           would
           you
           give
           Alms
           ,
           would
           you
           meditate
           ,
           would
           you
           be
           in
           any
           duty
           acting
           faith
           on
           God
           ,
           and
           love
           towards
           him
           ,
           would
           you
           work
           righteousness
           ,
           would
           you
           resist
           temptations
           ,
           this
           troublesome
           perplexing
           Indweller
           will
           still
           more
           or
           less
           put
           it self
           upon
           you
           ,
           and
           be
           present
           with
           you
           ;
           so
           that
           you
           cannot
           perfectly
           and
           compleatly
           accomplish
           the
           thing
           that
           is
           good
           ,
           as
           our
           Apostle
           speaks
           ,
           ver
           .
           18.
           
           Sometimes
           men
           by
           hearkning
           to
           their
           temptations
           ,
           do
           stir
           up
           ,
           excite
           and
           provoke
           their
           lusts
           ;
           and
           no
           wonder
           if
           then
           they
           find
           them
           present
           and
           active
           .
           But
           it
           will
           be
           so
           ,
           when
           with
           all
           our
           endeavours
           we
           labour
           to
           be
           free
           from
           them
           .
           This
           Law
           of
           Sin
           dwells
           in
           us
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           it
           adheres
           as
           a
           depraved
           principle
           unto
           our
           minds
           in
           darkness
           ,
           and
           vanity
           ,
           unto
           our
           Affections
           in
           sensuality
           ,
           unto
           our
           wills
           in
           a
           loathing
           of
           ,
           and
           aversation
           from
           that
           which
           is
           good
           ,
           and
           by
           some
           ,
           more
           ,
           or
           all
           of
           these
           ,
           is
           continually
           putting
           it self
           upon
           us
           ,
           in
           inclinations
           ,
           motions
           ,
           or
           suggestions
           to
           evil
           ,
           when
           we
           would
           be
           most
           gladly
           quit
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           It
           being
           an
           indwelling-Law
           ,
           it
           applyes
           it self
           to
           its
           work
           with
           great
           facility
           and
           easiness
           ,
           like
           the
           sin
           that
           doth
           so
           
             easily
             beset
             us
             ,
             Heb.
          
           12.
           1.
           
           It
           ●ath
           a
           great
           facility
           and
           easiness
           in
           the
           application
           of
           
           it self
           unto
           its
           work
           ;
           it
           needs
           no
           doors
           to
           be
           opened
           unto
           it
           ,
           it
           needs
           no
           Engines
           to
           work
           by
           .
           The
           soul
           cannot
           apply
           it self
           to
           any
           duty
           of
           a
           man
           ,
           but
           it
           must
           be
           by
           the
           exercise
           of
           those
           faculties
           wherein
           this
           Law
           hath
           its
           residence
           .
           Is
           the
           Understanding
           or
           the
           Mind
           to
           be
           applyed
           unto
           any
           thing
           ?
           there
           it
           is
           in
           ignorance
           ,
           darkness
           ,
           vanity
           ,
           folly
           ,
           madness
           .
           Is
           the
           Will
           to
           be
           engaged
           ,
           there
           it
           is
           also
           in
           spiritual
           deadness
           ,
           stubborness
           ,
           and
           the
           roots
           of
           obstinacy
           ?
           Is
           the
           heart
           and
           Affections
           to
           be
           set
           on
           work
           ,
           there
           it
           is
           in
           inclinations
           to
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           present
           things
           ,
           and
           sensuality
           ,
           with
           proneness
           to
           all
           manner
           of
           defilements
           ?
           Hence
           it
           is
           easie
           for
           it
           to
           insinuate
           it self
           into
           all
           that
           we
           do
           ,
           and
           to
           hinder
           all
           that
           is
           good
           ,
           and
           to
           further
           all
           sin
           and
           wickedness
           .
           It
           hath
           an
           intimacy
           ,
           an
           inwardness
           with
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           therefore
           in
           all
           that
           we
           do
           ,
           doth
           easily
           beset
           us
           .
           It
           possesseth
           those
           very
           faculties
           of
           the
           soul
           ,
           whereby
           we
           must
           do
           ,
           what
           we
           do
           ,
           what
           ever
           it
           be
           ,
           good
           or
           evil
           .
           Now
           all
           these
           advantages
           it
           hath
           as
           it
           is
           a
           Law
           ,
           as
           an
           Indwelling-Law
           which
           manifests
           its
           power
           and
           efficacy
           .
           It
           is
           alwayes
           resident
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           it
           puts
           its
           self
           upon
           all
           its
           actings
           ,
           and
           that
           with
           easiness
           and
           facility
           .
        
         
           This
           is
           that
           Law
           which
           the
           Apostle
           asfirms
           ,
           that
           he
           found
           in
           himself
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           title
           that
           he
           gives
           unto
           the
           powerful
           and
           effectual
           remainders
           of
           Indwelling-Sin
           ,
           even
           in
           Believers
           ,
           and
           these
           general
           evidences
           of
           its
           power
           from
           th●t
           Appellation
           have
           we
           .
           Many
           there
           are
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           who
           find
           not
           this
           Law
           in
           them
           ,
           who
           whatever
           they
           have
           been
           taught
           in
           the
           word
           ,
           have
           not
           a
           spiritual
           sense
           and
           experience
           of
           the
           power
           of
           Indwelling-Sin
           ,
           and
           
           that
           because
           they
           are
           wholly
           under
           the
           Dominion
           of
           it
           .
           They
           find
           not
           that
           there
           is
           darkness
           and
           folly
           in
           their
           minds
           ,
           because
           they
           are
           darkness
           it self
           ,
           and
           darkness
           will
           discover
           nothing
           .
           They
           find
           not
           deadness
           and
           an
           indisposition
           in
           their
           hearts
           and
           wills
           to
           God
           ,
           because
           they
           are
           dead
           wholly
           in
           trespasses
           and
           sins
           .
           They
           are
           at
           peace
           with
           their
           lusts
           ,
           by
           being
           in
           bondage
           unto
           them
           .
           And
           this
           is
           the
           state
           of
           most
           men
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           which
           makes
           them
           wofully
           despise
           all
           their
           eternal
           concernments
           .
           Whence
           is
           it
           that
           men
           follow
           and
           pursue
           the
           world
           with
           so
           much
           greediness
           ,
           that
           they
           neglect
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           life
           ,
           and
           immorrality
           for
           it
           every
           day
           ?
           Whence
           is
           it
           that
           some
           pursue
           their
           sensuality
           with
           delight
           ,
           they
           will
           drink
           ,
           and
           revel
           ,
           and
           have
           their
           sports
           ,
           let
           others
           say
           what
           they
           please
           ?
           Whence
           is
           it
           that
           so
           many
           live
           so
           unprofitably
           under
           the
           word
           ,
           that
           they
           understand
           so
           little
           of
           what
           is
           spoken
           unto
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           practise
           less
           of
           what
           they
           understand
           ,
           and
           will
           by
           no
           means
           be
           stirred
           up
           to
           answer
           the
           mind
           of
           God
           in
           his
           calls
           unto
           them
           ?
           It
           is
           all
           from
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           the
           power
           of
           it
           that
           rules
           and
           bears
           sway
           in
           Men
           ,
           that
           all
           these
           things
           do
           proceed
           ;
           but
           it
           is
           not
           such
           persons
           of
           whom
           at
           present
           we
           particularly
           treat
           .
        
         
           From
           what
           hath
           been
           spoken
           ,
           it
           will
           ensue
           ,
           that
           if
           there
           be
           such
           a
           Law
           in
           Believers
           ,
           it
           is
           doubtless
           their
           duty
           to
           find
           it
           out
           ,
           to
           find
           it
           so
           to
           be
           .
        
         
           The
           more
           they
           find
           its
           power
           ,
           the
           less
           they
           will
           feel
           its
           effects
           .
           It
           will
           not
           at
           all
           advantage
           a
           man
           to
           have
           an
           hectical
           distemper
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           discover
           it
           ;
           a
           fire
           lying
           secretly
           in
           his
           house
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           
           know
           it
           .
           So
           much
           as
           Men
           find
           of
           this
           Law
           i●
           them
           ,
           so
           much
           they
           will
           abhor
           it
           and
           themselves
           ,
           and
           no
           more
           .
           Proportionably
           also
           to
           their
           discovery
           of
           it
           ,
           will
           be
           their
           earnestness
           for
           Grace
           ;
           not
           will
           it
           rise
           higher
           .
           All
           watchfulness
           and
           diligence
           in
           obedience
           will
           be
           answerable
           also
           thereunto
           .
           Upon
           this
           one
           hinge
           ,
           or
           finding
           out
           ,
           and
           experiencing
           the
           power
           and
           the
           efficacy
           of
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin
           ,
           turns
           the
           whole
           course
           of
           our
           lives
           .
           Ignorance
           of
           it
           breeds
           senslesness
           ,
           carelesness
           ,
           sloth
           ,
           security
           and
           pride
           ,
           all
           which
           the
           Lords
           soul
           abhors
           .
           Eruptions
           into
           great
           ,
           open
           ,
           conscience-wasting
           ,
           scandalous
           sins
           ,
           are
           from
           want
           of
           a
           due
           spiritual
           consideration
           of
           this
           Law.
           Enquire
           then
           how
           it
           is
           with
           your
           souls
           ,
           what
           do
           you
           find
           of
           this
           Law
           ,
           what
           experience
           have
           you
           of
           its
           power
           and
           efficacy
           ?
           Do
           you
           find
           it
           dwelling
           in
           you
           ,
           alwayes
           present
           with
           you
           ,
           exciting
           it self
           ,
           or
           putting
           forth
           its
           poison
           with
           facility
           and
           easiness
           ,
           at
           all
           times
           ,
           in
           all
           your
           duties
           ,
           
             when
             you
             would
             do
             good
          
           ?
           what
           humiliation
           ,
           what
           self-abasement
           ,
           what
           intensness
           in
           prayer
           ,
           what
           diligence
           ,
           what
           watchfulness
           doth
           this
           call
           for
           at
           your
           hands
           ?
           What
           spiritual
           wisdom
           do
           you
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           ?
           What
           supplies
           of
           Grace
           ,
           what
           assistance
           of
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           will
           be
           hence
           also
           discovered
           ?
           I
           fear
           we
           have
           few
           of
           us
           a
           diligence
           proportionable
           to
           our
           danger
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           CHAP.
           III.
           
        
         
           
             The
             Seat
             or
             subject
             of
             the
             Law
             of
             Sin.
             The
             Heart
             ,
             What
             meant
             thereby
             .
             Properties
             of
             the
             Heart
             as
             possessed
             by
             sin
             .
             Unsearchable
             .
             Deceitful
             .
             Whence
             that
             Deceit
             ariseth
             .
             Improvements
             of
             these
             Considerations
             .
          
        
         
           HAving
           manifested
           Indwelling-Sin
           whereof
           we
           treat
           in
           the
           remainders
           of
           it
           in
           Believers
           ,
           to
           be
           a
           Law
           ,
           and
           evinced
           in
           general
           ,
           the
           power
           of
           it
           from
           thence
           ,
           we
           shall
           now
           proceede
           to
           give
           particular
           instances
           of
           its
           efficacy
           and
           advantages
           ,
           from
           some
           things
           that
           generally
           relate
           unto
           it
           as
           such
           .
           And
           these
           are
           three
           .
           First
           ,
           Its
           seat
           and
           subject
           :
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           s
           natural
           properties
           ;
           and
           Thirdly
           ,
           Its
           operations
           and
           the
           manner
           thereof
           ,
           which
           principally
           we
           aim
           at
           ,
           and
           shall
           attend
           unto
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           For
           the
           Seat
           and
           subject
           of
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin
           ,
           the
           Scripture
           every
           where
           assigns
           it
           to
           be
           the
           heart
           .
           There
           Indwelling-Sin
           keeps
           its
           especial
           residence
           .
           It
           hath
           invaded
           and
           possessed
           the
           Throne
           of
           God
           himself
           ,
           Eccles.
           9.
           3.
           
           
             Madness
             is
             in
             the
             heart
             of
             men
             whilest
             they
             live
             .
          
           This
           is
           their
           madness
           ,
           or
           the
           root
           of
           all
           that
           madness
           which
           appears
           in
           their
           lives
           ,
           Matth.
           15.
           19.
           
           
             Out
             of
             the
             heart
             proceed
             evil
             thoughts
             ,
             Murders
             ,
             Adulteries
             ,
             Fornications
             ,
             Thefts
             ,
             false
             Witness
             ,
             Blasphemies
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           There
           are
           many
           outward
           temptations
           and
           provocations
           that
           befall
           men
           ,
           which
           excite
           and
           stir
           them
           up
           unto
           these
           evils
           .
           But
           they
           do
           but
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           open
           the
           Vessel
           ,
           
           and
           let
           out
           what
           is
           laid
           up
           and
           stored
           in
           it
           .
           The
           root
           ,
           rise
           ,
           and
           spring
           of
           all
           these
           things
           is
           in
           the
           heart
           .
           Temptations
           and
           occasions
           put
           nothing
           into
           a
           man
           ,
           but
           only
           draw
           out
           what
           was
           in
           him
           before
           .
           Hence
           is
           that
           summary
           description
           of
           the
           whole
           work
           and
           effect
           of
           this
           Law
           of
           sin
           ,
           Gen.
           6.
           5.
           
           
             Every
             imagination
             of
             the
             thoughts
             of
             Mans
             heart
             is
             only
             evil
             continually
          
           ;
           So
           also
           ,
           Chap.
           8.
           21.
           
           The
           whole
           work
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin
           ,
           from
           its
           first
           rise
           ,
           its
           first
           coyning
           of
           actual
           sin
           ,
           is
           here
           described
           ,
           and
           its
           seat
           ,
           its
           work-house
           ,
           is
           said
           to
           be
           the
           heart
           .
           And
           so
           it
           is
           called
           by
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           
             The
             evil
             treasure
             of
             the
             heart
             ,
          
           Luke
           6.
           45.
           
           
             An
             evil
             man
             ,
             out
             of
             the
             evil
             treasure
             of
             his
             heart
             ,
             bringeth
             forth
             evil
             things
             .
          
           This
           treasure
           is
           the
           prevailing
           principle
           of
           moral
           actions
           that
           is
           in
           men
           .
           So
           in
           the
           beginning
           of
           the
           Verse
           ,
           our
           Saviour
           calls
           Grace
           the
           
             good
             treasure
          
           of
           the
           heart
           of
           a
           good
           man
           ,
           whence
           that
           which
           is
           good
           doth
           proceed
           .
           It
           is
           a
           principle
           constantly
           and
           abundantly
           inciting
           and
           stirring
           up
           unto
           ,
           and
           consequently
           bringing
           forth
           actions
           conformable
           ,
           and
           like
           unto
           it
           ,
           of
           the
           same
           kind
           and
           nature
           with
           its
           self
           .
           And
           it
           is
           also
           called
           a
           treasure
           for
           its
           abundance
           .
           It
           will
           never
           be
           exhausted
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           wasted
           by
           mens
           spending
           on
           it
           :
           yea
           ,
           the
           more
           lavish
           men
           are
           of
           this
           stock
           ,
           the
           more
           they
           draw
           out
           of
           this
           treasure
           ,
           the
           more
           it
           grows
           and
           abounds
           :
           As
           men
           do
           not
           spend
           their
           Grace
           ,
           but
           increase
           it
           by
           its
           exercises
           ,
           no
           more
           do
           they
           their
           Indwelling-Sin
           .
           The
           more
           men
           exercise
           their
           Grace
           in
           duties
           of
           obedience
           ,
           the
           more
           it
           is
           strengthened
           and
           encreased
           .
           And
           the
           more
           men
           exert
           and
           put
           forth
           the
           fruits
           of
           their
           lust
           ,
           the
           more
           is
           that
           enraged
           and
           encreased
           in
           
           them
           .
           It
           feeds
           upon
           its
           self
           ,
           swallows
           up
           its
           own
           poyson
           ,
           and
           grows
           thereby
           .
           The
           more
           men
           sin
           ,
           the
           more
           are
           they
           inclined
           unto
           sin
           .
           It
           is
           from
           the
           deceitfulness
           of
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin
           ,
           whereof
           we
           shall
           speak
           afterwards
           at
           large
           ,
           that
           men
           perswade
           themselves
           ,
           that
           by
           this
           or
           that
           particular
           sin
           ,
           they
           shall
           so
           satisfie
           their
           lusts
           ,
           as
           that
           they
           shall
           need
           to
           sin
           no
           more
           .
           Every
           sin
           increaseth
           the
           principle
           ,
           and
           fortifieth
           the
           habit
           of
           sinning
           .
           It
           is
           an
           
             evil
             treasure
          
           that
           increaseth
           by
           doing
           evil
           .
           And
           where
           doth
           this
           treasure
           lye
           ?
           It
           is
           in
           the
           heart
           ,
           there
           it
           is
           laid
           up
           ,
           there
           it
           is
           kept
           in
           safety
           .
           All
           the
           men
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           all
           the
           Angels
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           cannot
           dispossess
           a
           man
           of
           this
           treasure
           ,
           it
           is
           so
           sa●ely
           stored
           in
           the
           heart
           .
        
         
           The
           heart
           in
           the
           Scripture
           is
           variously
           used
           .
           Sometimes
           for
           the
           mind
           and
           understanding
           ;
           sometimes
           for
           the
           will
           ;
           sometimes
           for
           the
           Affections
           ;
           sometimes
           for
           the
           Conscience
           ;
           sometimes
           for
           the
           whole
           soul.
           Generally
           it
           denotes
           the
           
             whole
             soul
             of
             man
          
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           faculties
           of
           it
           ,
           not
           absolutely
           ,
           but
           as
           they
           are
           all
           one
           principle
           of
           moral
           operations
           ,
           as
           they
           all
           concurr
           in
           our
           doing
           good
           or
           evil
           .
           The
           mind
           as
           it
           enquireth
           ,
           discerneth
           ,
           and
           judgeth
           what
           is
           to
           be
           done
           ,
           what
           refused
           ;
           the
           Will
           ,
           as
           it
           chuseth
           ,
           or
           refuseth
           ,
           and
           avoids
           ;
           the
           Affections
           as
           they
           like
           or
           dislike
           ,
           cleave
           to
           ,
           or
           have
           an
           aversation
           from
           that
           which
           is
           proposed
           to
           them
           ;
           the
           conscience
           as
           it
           warns
           ,
           and
           determines
           ,
           are
           all
           together
           called
           the
           heart
           .
           And
           in
           this
           sense
           it
           is
           that
           we
           say
           the
           seat
           and
           subject
           of
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin
           is
           the
           heart
           of
           man.
           Only
           we
           may
           add
           ,
           that
           the
           Scripture
           speaking
           of
           the
           heart
           ,
           as
           the
           principle
           of
           mens
           good
           or
           evil
           
           actions
           ,
           doth
           usually
           insinuate
           together
           with
           it
           two
           things
           belonging
           unto
           the
           manner
           of
           their
           performance
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           A
           suitableness
           and
           pleasingness
           unto
           the
           soul
           in
           the
           things
           that
           are
           done
           .
           When
           men
           take
           delight
           ,
           and
           are
           pleased
           in
           and
           with
           what
           they
           do
           ,
           they
           are
           said
           to
           do
           it
           heartily
           with
           their
           whole
           hearts
           .
           Thus
           when
           God
           himself
           blesseth
           his
           People
           in
           love
           and
           delight
           ,
           he
           sayes
           ,
           he
           doth
           it
           with
           
             his
             whole
             heart
             ,
             and
             his
             whole
             soul
             ,
          
           Jer.
           32.
           41.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Resolution
           and
           constancy
           in
           such
           actions
           .
           And
           this
           also
           is
           denoted
           in
           the
           Metaphorical
           expression
           before
           used
           of
           a
           Treasure
           ,
           from
           whence
           men
           do
           constantly
           take
           out
           the
           things
           which
           either
           they
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           ;
           or
           do
           intend
           to
           use
           .
        
         
           This
           is
           the
           subject
           ,
           the
           seat
           ,
           the
           dwelling
           place
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin.
           The
           heart
           as
           it
           is
           the
           entire
           principle
           of
           moral
           operations
           ,
           of
           doing
           good
           or
           evil
           ,
           as
           out
           of
           it
           proceed
           good
           or
           evil
           .
           Here
           dwells
           our
           Enemie
           :
           This
           is
           the
           Fort
           ,
           the
           Cittadel
           of
           this
           Tyrant
           ,
           where
           it
           maintains
           a
           rebellion
           against
           God
           all
           our
           dayes
           .
           Sometimes
           it
           hath
           more
           strength
           ,
           and
           consequently
           more
           success
           ;
           sometimes
           less
           of
           the
           one
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           other
           ,
           but
           is
           alwayes
           in
           rebellion
           whilest
           we
           live
           .
        
         
           That
           we
           may
           in
           our
           passage
           take
           a
           little
           view
           of
           the
           strength
           and
           power
           of
           sin
           from
           this
           seat
           and
           subject
           of
           it
           ,
           we
           may
           consider
           one
           or
           two
           properties
           of
           the
           heart
           that
           exceedingly
           contribute
           thereunto
           .
           It
           is
           like
           an
           Enemy
           in
           war
           ,
           whose
           strength
           and
           power
           ,
           lye
           not
           only
           in
           his
           numbers
           ,
           and
           force
           of
           Men
           or
           Arms
           ,
           but
           also
           in
           the
           unconquerable
           Forts
           that
           he
           doth
           possess
           .
           And
           such
           is
           
           the
           heart
           to
           this
           enemy
           of
           God
           and
           our
           souls
           ,
           as
           will
           appear
           from
           the
           properties
           of
           it
           ,
           whereof
           one
           or
           two
           shall
           be
           mentioned
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           It
           is
           
             unsearchahle
             .
             Jer.
          
           17.
           9
           ,
           10.
           
           
             Who
             can
             know
             the
             heart
             ?
             I
             the
             Lord
             search
             it
             .
          
           The
           heart
           of
           man
           is
           pervious
           to
           God
           only
           ;
           hence
           he
           takes
           the
           honour
           of
           
             searching
             the
             heart
          
           to
           be
           as
           peculiar
           to
           himself
           ,
           and
           as
           fully
           declaring
           him
           to
           be
           God
           ,
           as
           any
           other
           glorious
           Attribute
           of
           his
           Nature
           .
           We
           know
           not
           the
           hearts
           of
           one
           another
           ,
           we
           know
           not
           
             our
             own
             hearts
          
           as
           we
           ought
           .
           Many
           there
           are
           that
           know
           not
           their
           hearts
           as
           to
           their
           general
           bent
           and
           disposition
           ,
           whether
           it
           be
           good
           or
           bad
           ,
           sincere
           and
           sound
           ,
           or
           corrupt
           and
           naught
           ;
           but
           no
           one
           knoweth
           all
           the
           secret
           intrigues
           ,
           the
           windings
           and
           turnings
           ,
           the
           actings
           and
           aversations
           of
           his
           own
           heart
           .
           Hath
           any
           one
           the
           perfect
           measure
           of
           his
           own
           light
           and
           darkness
           ?
           Can
           any
           one
           know
           what
           actings
           of
           chusing
           or
           aversation
           his
           Will
           will
           bring
           forth
           ,
           upon
           the
           proposal
           of
           that
           endless
           variety
           of
           objects
           that
           it
           is
           to
           be
           exercised
           with
           ?
           Can
           any
           one
           traverse
           the
           various
           mutability
           of
           his
           affections
           ?
           Do
           the
           secret
           springs
           of
           acting
           and
           refusing
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           lie
           before
           the
           eyes
           of
           any
           man
           ?
           Doth
           any
           one
           know
           what
           will
           be
           the
           motions
           of
           the
           mind
           or
           will
           ,
           in
           such
           and
           such
           conjunctions
           of
           things
           ?
           Such
           a
           suiting
           of
           objects
           ,
           such
           a
           pretension
           of
           reasonings
           ,
           such
           an
           appearance
           of
           things
           desirable
           ?
           All
           in
           heaven
           and
           earth
           but
           the
           Infinite
           All-seeing
           God
           ,
           are
           utterly
           ignorant
           of
           these
           things
           .
           In
           this
           
             unsearchable
             heart
          
           dwells
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           much
           of
           its
           security
           ,
           and
           consequently
           of
           its
           strength
           ,
           lies
           in
           this
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           past
           our
           finding
           
           out
           .
           We
           fight
           with
           an
           enemy
           whose
           
             secret
             strength
          
           we
           cannot
           discover
           ,
           whom
           we
           cannot
           follow
           into
           its
           retirements
           .
           Hence
           oftentimes
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           ready
           to
           think
           sin
           quite
           ruined
           ,
           after
           a
           while
           we
           find
           it
           was
           but
           out
           of
           fight
           .
           It
           hath
           coverts
           and
           retreats
           in
           an
           
             unsearchable
             heart
          
           ,
           whither
           we
           cannot
           pursue
           it
           .
           The
           soul
           may
           perswade
           it self
           all
           is
           well
           ,
           when
           sin
           may
           be
           safe
           in
           the
           hidden
           darkness
           of
           the
           mind
           ,
           which
           't
           is
           impossible
           that
           he
           should
           look
           into
           ,
           for
           what
           ever
           makes
           manifest
           is
           light
           .
           It
           may
           suppose
           the
           
             will
             of
             sinning
          
           is
           utterly
           taken
           away
           ,
           when
           yet
           there
           is
           an
           unsearchable
           reserve
           for
           a
           more
           suitable
           object
           ,
           a
           more
           vigorous
           temptation
           than
           at
           present
           it
           is
           tried
           withal
           .
           Hath
           a
           man
           had
           a
           contest
           with
           any
           lust
           ,
           and
           a
           blessed
           victory
           over
           it
           by
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           ,
           as
           to
           that
           present
           trial
           ;
           when
           he
           thinks
           it
           is
           utterly
           expelled
           ,
           he
           ere
           long
           finds
           that
           it
           was
           but
           retired
           out
           of
           fight
           .
           It
           can
           lie
           so
           close
           in
           the
           minds
           darkness
           ,
           in
           the
           wills
           indisposition
           ,
           in
           the
           disorder
           and
           carnality
           of
           the
           affections
           ,
           that
           no
           eye
           can
           discover
           it
           .
           The
           best
           of
           our
           wisdom
           is
           but
           to
           watch
           its
           first
           appearances
           ,
           to
           catch
           its
           first
           
             under-earth
             heavings
          
           and
           workings
           and
           to
           set
           our selves
           in
           opposition
           to
           them
           ;
           for
           to
           follow
           it
           into
           the
           secret
           corners
           of
           the
           heart
           ,
           that
           we
           cannot
           do
           .
           It
           is
           true
           ,
           there
           is
           yet
           a
           relief
           in
           this
           case
           ,
           namely
           that
           he
           to
           whom
           the
           work
           of
           destroying
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           body
           of
           death
           in
           us
           is
           principally
           committed
           ,
           namely
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           ,
           comes
           with
           his
           Ax
           to
           the
           very
           root
           ,
           neither
           is
           there
           any
           thing
           in
           an
           unsearchable
           heart
           that
           is
           not
           open
           and
           naked
           unto
           him
           ,
           Heb.
           4.
           12.
           
           But
           we
           in
           a
           way
           of
           duty
           may
           hence
           see
           what
           an
           enemy
           we
           have
           to
           deal
           withall
           .
        
         
         
           Secondly
           ,
           As
           it
           is
           unsearchable
           ,
           so
           it
           is
           deceitful
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           place
           above
           mentioned
           ;
           it
           is
           
             deceitful
             above
             all
             things
          
           ,
           incomparably
           so
           .
           There
           is
           great
           deceit
           in
           the
           dealings
           of
           men
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           great
           in
           their
           counsels
           and
           contrivances
           in
           reference
           to
           their
           affairs
           private
           and
           publick
           ;
           great
           deceit
           in
           their
           words
           and
           actings
           :
           the
           world
           is
           full
           of
           deceit
           and
           fraud
           .
           But
           all
           this
           is
           nothing
           to
           the
           deceit
           that
           is
           in
           mans
           heart
           
             towards
             himself
          
           ,
           for
           that
           is
           the
           meaning
           of
           the
           expression
           in
           this
           place
           ,
           and
           not
           towards
           others
           .
           Now
           incomparable
           deceitfulness
           ,
           added
           to
           unsearchableness
           ,
           gives
           a
           great
           addition
           and
           encrease
           of
           strength
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           ,
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           its
           seat
           and
           subject
           .
           I
           speak
           not
           yet
           of
           the
           deceitfulness
           of
           sin
           it self
           ,
           but
           the
           deceitfulness
           of
           the
           heart
           where
           it
           is
           seated
           .
           Prov.
           26.
           25.
           
           
             There
             are
             seven
             abominations
             in
             the
             heart
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           not
           only
           many
           ,
           but
           an
           absolute
           complete
           number
           ,
           as
           seven
           denotes
           :
           and
           they
           are
           such
           abominations
           as
           consist
           in
           deceitfulness
           ;
           so
           the
           caution
           fore-going
           insinuates
           ,
           
             Trust
             him
             not
          
           ;
           for
           it
           is
           only
           deceit
           that
           should
           make
           us
           
             not
             to
             trust
          
           in
           that
           degree
           and
           measure
           which
           the
           object
           is
           cabable
           of
           .
        
         
           Now
           this
           deceitfulness
           of
           the
           heart
           ,
           whereby
           it
           is
           exceedingly
           advantaged
           in
           its
           harbouring
           of
           sin
           ,
           lies
           chiefly
           in
           these
           two
           things
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           it
           abounds
           in
           contradictions
           ,
           so
           that
           it
           is
           not
           to
           be
           found
           and
           dealt
           withall
           according
           to
           any
           constant
           rule
           ,
           and
           way
           of
           procedure
           .
           There
           are
           some
           men
           that
           have
           much
           of
           this
           from
           their
           natural
           constitution
           ,
           or
           from
           other
           causes
           in
           their
           conversation
           .
           They
           seem
           to
           be
           made
           up
           of
           contradictions
           ;
           sometimes
           to
           be
           very
           wise
           in
           their
           affairs
           ,
           
           sometimes
           very
           foolish
           ;
           very
           open
           ,
           and
           very
           reserved
           ;
           very
           facile
           ,
           and
           very
           obstinate
           ;
           very
           easie
           to
           be
           entreated
           ,
           and
           very
           revengeful
           ,
           all
           in
           a
           remarkable
           height
           .
           This
           is
           generally
           accounted
           a
           bad
           character
           ,
           and
           is
           seldom
           found
           but
           when
           it
           proceeds
           from
           some
           notable
           predominant
           lust
           .
           But
           in
           general
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           moral
           good
           or
           evil
           ,
           duty
           or
           sin
           ,
           it
           is
           so
           with
           the
           heart
           of
           every
           man
           ;
           flaming
           hot
           ,
           and
           key
           cold
           ;
           weak
           ,
           and
           yet
           stubborn
           ;
           obstinate
           ,
           and
           facile
           .
           The
           frame
           of
           the
           heart
           is
           ready
           to
           contradict
           it self
           every
           moment
           .
           Now
           you
           would
           think
           you
           had
           it
           all
           for
           such
           a
           frame
           ,
           such
           a
           way
           ;
           anon
           it
           is
           quite
           otherwise
           :
           so
           that
           none
           know
           what
           to
           expect
           from
           it
           .
           The
           rise
           of
           this
           is
           the
           disorder
           that
           is
           brought
           upon
           all
           its
           faculties
           by
           sin
           .
           God
           created
           them
           all
           in
           a
           perfect
           harmony
           and
           union
           .
           The
           Mind
           and
           Reason
           were
           in
           perfect
           subjection
           and
           subordination
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           Will
           ;
           the
           Will
           answered
           in
           its
           choice
           of
           good
           ,
           the
           discovery
           made
           of
           it
           by
           the
           mind
           ;
           the
           Affections
           constantly
           and
           evenly
           followed
           the
           Understanding
           and
           Will.
           The
           minds
           subjection
           to
           God
           was
           the
           spring
           of
           the
           orderly
           and
           harmonious
           motion
           of
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           wheels
           in
           it
           .
           That
           being
           disturbed
           by
           sin
           ,
           the
           rest
           of
           the
           faculties
           move
           cross
           and
           contrary
           one
           to
           another
           ;
           the
           Will
           chuseth
           not
           the
           good
           which
           the
           Mind
           discovers
           ,
           the
           Affections
           delight
           not
           in
           that
           which
           the
           Will
           chuseth
           ,
           but
           all
           jar
           and
           interfere
           ,
           cross
           and
           rebel
           against
           each
           other
           .
           This
           we
           have
           got
           by
           our
           falling
           from
           God.
           Hence
           sometimes
           the
           Will
           leads
           ,
           the
           Judgment
           follows
           .
           Yea
           ,
           commonly
           the
           Affections
           that
           should
           attend
           upon
           all
           ,
           get
           the
           sovereignty
           ,
           
           and
           draw
           the
           whole
           soul
           captive
           after
           them
           .
           And
           hence
           it
           is
           ,
           as
           I
           said
           ,
           that
           the
           heart
           is
           made
           up
           of
           so
           many
           contradictions
           in
           its
           actings
           .
           Sometimes
           the
           mind
           retains
           its
           sovereignty
           ,
           and
           the
           affections
           are
           in
           subjection
           ,
           and
           the
           will
           ready
           for
           its
           duty
           .
           This
           puts
           a
           good
           face
           upon
           things
           .
           Immediately
           the
           rebellion
           of
           the
           affections
           ,
           or
           the
           obstinacy
           of
           the
           will
           take
           place
           and
           prevail
           ,
           and
           the
           whole
           Scene
           is
           changed
           .
           This
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           makes
           the
           heart
           deceitful
           above
           all
           things
           ;
           it
           agrees
           not
           at
           all
           in
           it self
           ,
           is
           not
           constant
           to
           it self
           ,
           hath
           no
           order
           that
           it
           is
           constant
           unto
           ,
           is
           under
           no
           certain
           conduct
           that
           is
           stable
           ,
           but
           if
           I
           may
           so
           say
           ,
           hath
           a
           rotation
           in
           it self
           ,
           where
           oft-times
           the
           feet
           lead
           and
           guide
           the
           whole
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Its
           deceit
           lies
           in
           its
           
             full
             promisings
          
           upon
           the
           first
           appearance
           of
           things
           .
           And
           this
           also
           proceeds
           from
           the
           same
           principle
           with
           the
           former
           .
           Sometimes
           the
           affections
           are
           touched
           and
           wrought
           upon
           ,
           the
           whole
           heart
           appears
           in
           a
           fair
           frame
           ,
           all
           promiseth
           to
           be
           well
           .
           Within
           a
           while
           the
           whole
           frame
           is
           changed
           ;
           the
           mind
           was
           not
           at
           all
           affected
           or
           turned
           ;
           the
           affections
           a
           little
           acted
           their
           parts
           and
           are
           gone
           off
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           fair
           promises
           of
           the
           heart
           are
           departed
           with
           them
           .
           Now
           add
           this
           deceitfulness
           to
           the
           unsearchableness
           before
           mentioned
           ,
           and
           we
           shall
           find
           ,
           that
           at
           least
           the
           difficulty
           of
           dealing
           effectually
           with
           sin
           in
           its
           seat
           and
           throne
           ,
           will
           be
           exceedingly
           encreased
           .
           A
           deceiving
           and
           a
           deceived
           heart
           ,
           who
           can
           deal
           with
           it
           ?
           especially
           considering
           that
           the
           heart
           imploys
           all
           its
           deceits
           unto
           the
           service
           of
           sin
           ,
           contributes
           them
           all
           to
           its
           furtherance
           .
           All
           the
           disorder
           that
           is
           in
           the
           heart
           ,
           
           all
           its
           false
           promises
           ,
           and
           fair
           appearances
           ,
           promote
           the
           interest
           and
           advantages
           of
           sin
           .
           Hence
           God
           cautions
           the
           people
           to
           look
           to
           it
           ,
           left
           
             their
             own
             hearts
             should
             entice
             and
             deceive
             them
             .
          
        
         
           Who
           can
           mention
           the
           treacheries
           and
           deceits
           that
           lie
           in
           the
           heart
           of
           man
           ?
           It
           is
           not
           for
           nothing
           that
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           so
           expresseth
           it
           ,
           
             It
             is
             deceitful
             above
             all
             things
          
           ;
           uncertain
           in
           what
           it
           doth
           ,
           and
           false
           in
           what
           it
           promiseth
           .
           And
           hence
           moreover
           it
           is
           ,
           amongst
           other
           causes
           ,
           that
           in
           the
           pursuit
           of
           our
           war
           against
           sin
           ,
           we
           have
           not
           only
           the
           old
           work
           to
           go
           over
           and
           over
           ,
           but
           new
           work
           still
           while
           we
           live
           in
           this
           world
           ;
           still
           new
           stratagems
           and
           wiles
           to
           deal
           withall
           ,
           as
           the
           manner
           will
           be
           where
           unsearchableness
           and
           deceitfulness
           are
           to
           be
           contended
           with
           .
        
         
           There
           are
           many
           other
           properties
           of
           this
           feat
           and
           subject
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           ,
           which
           might
           be
           insisted
           on
           to
           the
           same
           end
           and
           purpose
           ,
           but
           that
           would
           too
           far
           divert
           us
           from
           our
           particular
           design
           ;
           and
           therefore
           I
           shall
           pass
           these
           over
           with
           some
           few
           considerations
           .
        
         
           Never
           let
           us
           reckon
           that
           our
           work
           in
           contending
           against
           sin
           ,
           in
           crucifying
           ,
           mortifying
           ,
           and
           subduing
           of
           it
           ,
           is
           at
           an
           end
           .
           The
           place
           of
           its
           habitation
           is
           unsearchable
           ;
           and
           when
           we
           may
           think
           that
           we
           have
           throughly
           won
           the
           field
           ,
           there
           is
           still
           some
           reserve
           remaining
           that
           we
           saw
           not
           ,
           that
           we
           knew
           not
           o●
           .
           Many
           Conquerors
           have
           been
           ruined
           by
           their
           carelesness
           after
           a
           victory
           ;
           and
           many
           have
           been
           spiritually
           wounded
           after
           great
           successes
           against
           this
           enemy
           .
           David
           was
           so
           ,
           his
           great
           surprizal
           into
           sin
           was
           after
           a
           long
           profession
           ,
           manifold
           
           experiences
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           watchful
           keeping
           himself
           from
           his
           iniquity
           .
           And
           hence
           in
           part
           hath
           it
           come
           to
           pass
           ,
           that
           the
           profession
           of
           many
           hath
           declined
           in
           their
           
             old
             age
          
           ,
           or
           riper
           time
           ,
           which
           must
           more
           distinctly
           be
           spoken
           to
           afterwards
           .
           They
           have
           given
           over
           the
           work
           of
           mortifying
           of
           sin
           ,
           before
           their
           work
           was
           at
           an
           end
           .
           There
           is
           no
           way
           for
           us
           to
           pursue
           sin
           in
           its
           unsearchable
           habitation
           ,
           but
           by
           being
           endless
           in
           our
           pursuit
           .
           And
           that
           command
           of
           the
           Apostle
           which
           we
           have
           ,
           Colos.
           3.
           5.
           on
           this
           account
           is
           as
           necessary
           for
           them
           to
           observe
           ,
           who
           are
           towards
           the
           end
           of
           their
           race
           ,
           as
           those
           that
           are
           but
           at
           the
           beginning
           of
           it
           .
           
             Mortifie
             therefore
             your
             members
             that
             are
             on
             the
             earth
          
           ;
           be
           always
           doing
           it
           whilst
           you
           live
           in
           this
           world
           .
           It
           is
           true
           ,
           great
           ground
           is
           obtained
           ,
           when
           the
           work
           is
           vigorously
           and
           constantly
           carried
           on
           ;
           sin
           is
           much
           weakened
           ,
           so
           that
           the
           soul
           presseth
           forwards
           towards
           perfection
           .
           But
           yet
           the
           work
           must
           be
           endless
           ,
           I
           mean
           whilst
           we
           are
           in
           this
           world
           .
           If
           we
           give
           over
           ,
           we
           shall
           quickly
           see
           this
           enemy
           exerting
           it self
           with
           new
           strength
           and
           vigour
           .
           It
           may
           be
           ,
           under
           some
           great
           affliction
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           in
           some
           eminent
           enjoyment
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           the
           sense
           of
           the
           sweetness
           of
           blessed
           communion
           with
           Christ
           ,
           we
           have
           been
           ready
           to
           say
           ,
           that
           there
           was
           an
           end
           of
           sin
           ,
           that
           it
           was
           dead
           and
           gone
           for
           ever
           :
           But
           have
           we
           not
           found
           the
           contrary
           by
           experience
           ?
           hath
           it
           not
           manifested
           that
           it
           was
           only
           retired
           into
           some
           unsearchable
           recesses
           of
           the
           heart
           ,
           as
           to
           its
           in-being
           and
           nature
           ,
           though
           it
           may
           be
           greatly
           weakened
           in
           its
           power
           ?
           Let
           us
           then
           reckon
           on
           it
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           way
           to
           have
           our
           work
           done
           ,
           but
           by
           always
           doing
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           
           he
           who
           dies
           fighting
           in
           this
           warfare
           ,
           dies
           assuredly
           ▪
           a
           Conqueror
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Hath
           it
           its
           residence
           in
           that
           which
           is
           various
           ,
           inconstant
           ,
           deceitful
           above
           all
           things
           ,
           this
           calls
           for
           perpetual
           watchfulness
           against
           it
           .
           An
           open
           enemy
           that
           deals
           by
           violence
           only
           ,
           always
           gives
           some
           respite
           ;
           you
           know
           where
           to
           have
           him
           ,
           and
           what
           he
           is
           doing
           ,
           so
           as
           that
           sometimes
           you
           may
           sleep
           quietly
           without
           fear
           :
           But
           against
           adversaries
           that
           deal
           by
           deceit
           and
           treachery
           ,
           (
           which
           are
           long
           swords
           ,
           and
           reach
           at
           the
           greatest
           distance
           )
           nothing
           will
           give
           security
           but
           perpetual
           watchfulness
           .
           It
           is
           impossible
           we
           should
           in
           this
           case
           be
           too
           jealous
           ,
           doubtful
           ,
           suspicious
           ,
           or
           watchful
           .
           The
           heart
           hath
           a
           thousand
           wiles
           and
           deceits
           ,
           and
           if
           we
           are
           in
           the
           least
           off
           from
           our
           watch
           ,
           we
           may
           be
           sure
           to
           be
           surprised
           .
           Hence
           are
           those
           reiterated
           commands
           and
           cautions
           given
           for
           watching
           ,
           for
           being
           circumspect
           ,
           diligent
           ,
           careful
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           .
           There
           is
           no
           living
           for
           them
           who
           have
           to
           deal
           with
           an
           enemy
           
             deceitful
             above
             all
             things
          
           ,
           unless
           they
           persist
           in
           such
           a
           frame
           .
           All
           cautions
           that
           are
           given
           in
           this
           case
           are
           necessary
           ,
           especially
           that
           ,
           
             remember
             not
             to
             believe
          
           .
           Doth
           the
           heart
           promise
           fair
           ,
           rest
           not
           on
           it
           ,
           but
           say
           to
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           ,
           Lord
           ,
           do
           thou
           undertake
           for
           me
           .
           Doth
           the
           Sun
           shine
           fair
           in
           the
           morning
           ,
           reckon
           not
           therefore
           on
           a
           fair
           day
           ;
           the
           clouds
           may
           arise
           and
           fall
           :
           though
           the
           morning
           give
           a
           fair
           appearance
           of
           serenity
           and
           peace
           ,
           turbulent
           affections
           may
           arise
           ,
           and
           cloud
           the
           soul
           with
           sin
           and
           darkness
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           then
           ,
           commit
           the
           whole
           matter
           with
           all
           care
           and
           diligence
           unto
           him
           who
           can
           
             search
             th●
             
             heart
          
           to
           the
           uttermost
           ,
           and
           knows
           how
           to
           prevent
           all
           its
           treacheries
           and
           deceits
           .
           In
           the
           things
           before
           mentioned
           lies
           our
           duty
           ,
           but
           here
           lies
           our
           safety
           .
           There
           is
           no
           treacherous
           corner
           in
           our
           hearts
           ,
           but
           he
           can
           search
           it
           to
           the
           uttermost
           ;
           there
           's
           no
           deceit
           in
           them
           but
           he
           can
           disappoint
           it
           .
           This
           course
           David
           takes
           ,
           Psal.
           139.
           after
           he
           had
           set
           forth
           the
           Omnipresence
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           
             Omniscience
             ,
             vers
          
           .
           8
           ,
           9
           ,
           10.
           he
           makes
           improvement
           of
           it
           ,
           verse
           23.
           
           
             Search
             me
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             and
             try
             me
             .
          
           As
           if
           he
           had
           said
           ,
           It
           is
           but
           a
           little
           that
           I
           know
           of
           my
           deceitful
           heart
           ,
           only
           I
           would
           be
           sincere
           ,
           I
           would
           not
           have
           reserves
           for
           sin
           retained
           therein
           ;
           wherefore
           do
           thou
           ,
           who
           art
           present
           with
           my
           heart
           ,
           who
           knowest
           my
           thoughts
           long
           before
           ,
           undertake
           this
           work
           ,
           perform
           it
           throughly
           ,
           for
           thou
           alone
           art
           able
           so
           to
           do
           .
        
         
           There
           are
           yet
           other
           arguments
           for
           the
           eviden●ing
           of
           the
           power
           and
           strength
           of
           Indwelling-sin
           from
           whence
           it
           is
           termed
           a
           Law
           ,
           which
           we
           must
           pass
           through
           according
           to
           the
           order
           wherein
           before
           we
           laid
           them
           down
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           CHAP.
           IV.
           
        
         
           
             Indwelling
             Sin
             Enmity
             against
             God.
             Thence
             its
             power
             .
             Admits
             of
             no
             peace
             nor
             rest
             :
             Is
             against
             God
             himself
             ,
             Acts
             it self
             in
             aversation
             from
             God
             ;
             and
             propensity
             to
             Evil.
             Is
             Universal
             .
             To
             all
             of
             God.
             In
             all
             of
             the
             soul.
             Cons●ant
             .
          
        
         
           WE
           have
           seen
           the
           seat
           and
           subject
           of
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin.
           In
           the
           next
           place
           we
           might
           take
           a
           view
           of
           its
           nature
           in
           general
           ,
           which
           also
           will
           manifest
           its
           power
           and
           efficacy
           .
           But
           this
           I
           shall
           not
           enlarge
           upon
           ;
           it
           being
           not
           my
           business
           to
           declare
           the
           nature
           of
           Indwelling-Sin
           ,
           it
           hath
           also
           been
           done
           by
           others
           .
           I
           shall
           therefore
           only
           in
           reference
           unto
           our
           special
           design
           in
           hand
           ,
           consider
           
             one
             property
          
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           belongs
           unto
           its
           nature
           :
           And
           this
           alwayes
           where
           ever
           it
           is
           .
           And
           this
           is
           that
           which
           is
           expressed
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           Rom.
           8.
           7.
           
           
             The
             carnal
             mind
             is
             enmity
             against
             God
          
           ;
           that
           which
           is
           here
           called
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             the
             wisdom
             of
             the
             flesh
          
           ,
           is
           the
           same
           with
           the
           
             Law
             of
             Sin
          
           ,
           which
           we
           insist
           on
           .
           And
           what
           sayes
           he
           hereof
           ?
           Why
           it
           is
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             enmity
             against
             God
          
           It
           is
           not
           only
           an
           Enemy
           ,
           for
           so
           possibly
           some
           Reconciliation
           of
           it
           unto
           God
           might
           be
           made
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           Enmity
           it self
           ,
           and
           so
           not
           capable
           of
           accepting
           any
           terms
           of
           peace
           .
           Enemies
           may
           be
           reconciled
           ,
           but
           enmity
           cannot
           .
           Yea
           ,
           the
           only
           way
           to
           reconcile
           Enemies
           ,
           is
           to
           destroy
           the
           enmity
           .
           So
           the
           Apostle
           in
           another
           
           case
           tells
           us
           ,
           Rom.
           5.
           10.
           
           
             We
             who
             were
             Enemies
             ,
             are
             reconciled
             unto
             God
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           a
           work
           compassed
           and
           brought
           about
           by
           the
           blood
           of
           Christ
           ;
           the
           reconciling
           of
           the
           greatest
           enemies
           .
           But
           when
           he
           comes
           to
           speak
           of
           enmity
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           way
           for
           it
           ,
           but
           it
           must
           be
           abolished
           and
           destroyed
           ,
           Eph.
           2.
           15.
           
           
             Having
             abolished
             in
             his
             flesh
             the
             enmity
             :
          
           There
           is
           no
           way
           to
           deal
           with
           any
           enmity
           whatever
           ,
           but
           by
           its
           abolition
           or
           destruction
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           also
           lyes
           in
           it
           as
           it
           is
           enmity
           ,
           that
           every
           part
           and
           parcel
           of
           it
           ,
           if
           we
           may
           so
           speak
           ,
           the
           least
           degree
           of
           it
           that
           can
           possibly
           remain
           in
           any
           one
           ,
           whilest
           ,
           and
           where
           there
           is
           any
           thing
           of
           its
           nature
           ,
           is
           enmity
           still
           .
           It
           may
           not
           be
           so
           effectual
           and
           powerful
           in
           operation
           ,
           as
           where
           it
           hath
           more
           life
           and
           vigour
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           enmity
           still
           .
           As
           every
           drop
           of
           poyson
           ,
           is
           poyson
           ,
           and
           will
           infect
           ,
           and
           every
           spark
           of
           fire
           ,
           is
           fire
           ,
           and
           will
           burn
           ;
           so
           is
           every
           thing
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin
           ,
           the
           last
           ,
           the
           least
           of
           it
           ,
           it
           is
           enmity
           ,
           it
           will
           poyson
           ,
           it
           will
           burn
           .
           That
           which
           is
           any
           thing
           in
           the
           abstract
           is
           still
           so
           ;
           whilst
           it
           hath
           any
           being
           at
           all
           .
           Our
           Apostle
           who
           may
           well
           be
           supposed
           to
           have
           made
           as
           great
           a
           progress
           in
           the
           subduing
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           any
           one
           on
           the
           earth
           ,
           yet
           after
           all
           cryes
           out
           for
           deliverance
           ,
           as
           from
           an
           
             irreconcileable
             Enemy
             ,
             Rom.
          
           7.
           24.
           
           The
           meanest
           acting
           ,
           the
           meanest
           and
           most
           imperceptible
           working
           of
           it
           ,
           is
           the
           acting
           and
           working
           of
           enmity
           .
           Mortification
           abates
           of
           its
           force
           ,
           but
           doth
           not
           change
           its
           nature
           .
           Grace
           changeth
           the
           nature
           of
           man
           ,
           but
           nothing
           can
           change
           the
           nature
           of
           sin
           .
           What
           ever
           effect
           be
           wrought
           upon
           it
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           effect
           wrought
           in
           it
           ,
           but
           that
           it
           is
           enmity
           still
           ,
           sin
           still
           .
           This
           then
           by
           it
           is
           
           our
           astate
           and
           condition
           ,
           
             God
             is
             love
          
           ,
           1
           John.
           4.
           8.
           
           He
           is
           so
           in
           himself
           ,
           eternally
           excellent
           and
           desirable
           above
           all
           .
           He
           is
           so
           
             to
             us
          
           ,
           he
           is
           so
           in
           the
           blood
           of
           his
           Son
           ,
           and
           in
           all
           the
           inexpressible
           fruits
           of
           it
           ,
           by
           which
           we
           are
           what
           we
           are
           ,
           and
           wherein
           all
           our
           future
           hopes
           and
           expectations
           are
           wrapped
           up
           .
           Against
           
             this
             God
          
           we
           carry
           about
           us
           an
           enmity
           ,
           all
           our
           dayes
           .
           An
           enmity
           that
           hath
           this
           from
           its
           nature
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           incapable
           of
           cure
           or
           reconciliation
           .
           Destroyed
           it
           may
           be
           it
           shall
           be
           ,
           but
           cured
           it
           cannot
           be
           .
           If
           a
           man
           hath
           an
           Enemy
           to
           deal
           withal
           that
           is
           too
           mighty
           for
           him
           ,
           as
           David
           had
           with
           Saul
           ,
           he
           may
           take
           the
           course
           that
           he
           did
           ;
           consider
           what
           it
           is
           that
           provoked
           his
           Enemy
           against
           him
           ,
           &
           so
           address
           himself
           to
           remove
           the
           cause
           and
           make
           up
           his
           peace
           ,
           1
           Sam.
           26.
           19.
           
           
             If
             the
             Lord
             have
             stirred
             thee
             up
             against
             me
             ,
             let
             him
             accept
             an
             Offering
             ,
             but
             if
             they
             be
             the
             Children
             of
             men
             ,
             cursed
             be
             they
             of
             the
             Lord
          
           ;
           come
           it
           from
           God
           or
           man
           ,
           there
           is
           yet
           hopes
           of
           peace
           .
           But
           when
           a
           man
           hath
           enmity
           it self
           to
           deal
           withal
           ,
           nothing
           is
           to
           be
           expected
           but
           continual
           fighting
           to
           the
           destruction
           of
           the
           one
           party
           .
           If
           it
           be
           not
           overcome
           and
           destroyed
           ,
           it
           will
           overcome
           and
           destroy
           the
           soul.
           
        
         
           And
           herein
           lyes
           no
           small
           part
           of
           its
           power
           which
           we
           are
           enquiring
           after
           ;
           it
           can
           admit
           of
           no
           terms
           of
           peace
           ,
           of
           no
           composition
           .
           There
           may
           be
           a
           composition
           ,
           where
           there
           is
           no
           Reconciliation
           .
           There
           may
           be
           a
           truce
           where
           there
           is
           no
           peace
           .
           But
           with
           this
           Enemy
           we
           can
           obtain
           neither
           the
           one
           ,
           nor
           the
           other
           .
           It
           is
           never
           quiet
           conquering
           ,
           nor
           conquered
           ,
           which
           was
           the
           only
           kind
           of
           Enemy
           that
           the
           famous
           Warriour
           complained
           of
           ,
           of
           old
           .
           It
           
           is
           in
           vain
           for
           a
           man
           to
           have
           any
           expectation
           of
           rest
           from
           his
           lust
           ,
           but
           by
           its
           death
           ,
           of
           
             absolute
             freedom
          
           ,
           but
           by
           his
           own
           .
           Some
           in
           the
           tumultuating
           of
           their
           corruptions
           ,
           seek
           for
           quietness
           by
           labouring
           ●o
           satisfie
           them
           ,
           
             making
             provision
             for
             the
             flesh
             to
             fulfill
             the
             lusts
             thereof
          
           ;
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ,
           Rom.
           13.
           14.
           
           This
           is
           to
           aslake
           Fire
           by
           Wood
           and
           Oyle
           .
           As
           all
           the
           fuel
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           all
           the
           fabrick
           of
           the
           creation
           that
           is
           combustible
           ,
           being
           cast
           into
           the
           fire
           ,
           will
           not
           at
           all
           satisfie
           it
           ,
           but
           increase
           it
           ;
           so
           is
           it
           with
           satisfaction
           given
           to
           sin
           by
           sinning
           ,
           it
           doth
           ●ut
           inflame
           and
           increase
           .
           If
           a
           man
           will
           part
           with
           some
           of
           his
           goods
           unto
           an
           enemy
           ,
           it
           may
           satisfie
           him
           ;
           but
           enmity
           will
           have
           all
           ,
           and
           is
           not
           one
           whit
           the
           more
           satisfied
           ,
           that
           if
           he
           had
           received
           nothing
           at
           all
           .
           Like
           the
           
             lean
             Cattle
          
           that
           were
           never
           the
           less
           hungry
           ,
           for
           having
           devoured
           the
           fat
           .
           You
           cannot
           bargain
           with
           the
           fire
           to
           take
           but
           so
           much
           of
           your
           houses
           ,
           ye
           have
           no
           way
           but
           to
           quench
           it
           .
           It
           is
           in
           this
           case
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           in
           the
           contest
           between
           a
           wise
           Man
           and
           a
           Fool
           ,
           Prov.
           29.
           9.
           
           
             Whether
             he
             rage
             or
             laugh
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             rest
             .
          
           What
           ever
           frame
           or
           temper
           he
           be
           in
           ,
           his
           importunate
           folly
           makes
           him
           troublesome
           .
           It
           is
           so
           with
           this
           Indwelling-Sin
           ,
           whether
           it
           rage
           or
           laugh
           ,
           whether
           it
           violently
           tumultuate
           ,
           as
           it
           will
           do
           on
           provocations
           and
           temptations
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           outragious
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           or
           whether
           ●t
           seem
           to
           be
           pleased
           and
           contented
           ,
           to
           be
           satisfied
           ,
           all
           is
           one
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           peace
           ,
           no
           rest
           to
           be
           had
           with
           it
           ,
           or
           by
           it
           .
           Had
           it
           then
           been
           of
           any
           other
           nature
           ,
           some
           other
           way
           might
           have
           been
           fixed
           on
           ,
           ●ut
           being
           it
           consists
           in
           enmity
           ,
           all
           the
           relief
           the
           soul
           ●ath
           must
           lye
           in
           its
           ruine
           .
        
         
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           is
           not
           only
           said
           to
           be
           enmity
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           said
           to
           be
           
             enmity
             against
             God.
          
           It
           hath
           chosen
           a
           great
           enemy
           indeed
           .
           It
           is
           in
           sundry
           places
           proposed
           as
           
             our
             Enemy
          
           ,
           1
           Pet.
           2.
           11.
           
           
             Abstain
             from
             fleshly
             lusts
             ,
             which
             warr
             against
             the
             soul.
          
           They
           are
           enemies
           to
           the
           soul
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           to
           our selves
           .
           Sometimes
           as
           an
           Enemy
           to
           the
           Spirit
           that
           is
           in
           us
           ,
           
             The
             flesh
             lusteth
             or
             fighteth
             against
             the
             Spirit
             ,
          
           Gal.
           5.
           17.
           
           It
           fights
           against
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           or
           the
           
             Spiritual
             principle
          
           that
           is
           in
           us
           ,
           to
           conquer
           it
           ▪
           it
           fights
           against
           our
           souls
           to
           destroy
           them
           .
           It
           hath
           special
           ends
           and
           designs
           against
           our
           souls
           ,
           and
           against
           the
           principle
           of
           Grace
           that
           is
           in
           us
           ;
           but
           its
           proper
           formal
           object
           is
           God
           ,
           it
           is
           enmity
           against
           God.
           It
           is
           its
           work
           to
           oppose
           Grace
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           consequent
           of
           its
           work
           to
           oppose
           our
           souls
           ,
           which
           follows
           upon
           what
           it
           doth
           ,
           more
           than
           what
           it
           intends
           ;
           but
           its
           nature
           and
           formal
           design
           is
           to
           oppose
           God
           ;
           God
           as
           the
           Law-giver
           ,
           God
           as
           holy
           ,
           God
           as
           the
           Author
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           a
           way
           of
           salvation
           by
           Grace
           ,
           and
           not
           by
           works
           ,
           is
           the
           direct
           object
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin.
           Why
           doth
           it
           oppose
           duty
           ,
           
             so
             that
             the
             good
             we
             would
             do
             ,
             we
             do
             not
             ,
          
           either
           as
           to
           matter
           or
           manner
           ?
           Why
           doth
           it
           render
           the
           soul
           carnal
           ,
           indisposed
           ,
           unbelieving
           ,
           unspiritual
           ,
           weary
           ,
           wandring
           ?
           It
           is
           because
           of
           its
           enmity
           to
           God
           ,
           whom
           the
           soul
           aims
           to
           have
           communion
           withal
           in
           duty
           .
           It
           hath
           as
           it
           were
           that
           command
           from
           Satan
           ,
           which
           the
           Assyrians
           had
           from
           their
           King
           ,
           
             Fight
             neither
             with
             small
             nor
             great
             ,
             save
             only
             with
             the
             King
             of
             Israel
             ,
          
           1
           Kings
           22.
           31.
           
           It
           is
           neither
           great
           nor
           small
           ,
           but
           
             God
             himself
          
           ,
           the
           King
           of
           Israel
           ,
           that
           sin
           sets
           it self
           against
           .
           There
           lyes
           the
           secret
           formal
           reason
           of
           all
           its
           opposition
           to
           good
           ,
           even
           
           because
           it
           relates
           unto
           God.
           May
           a
           road
           ,
           a
           trade
           ,
           a
           way
           of
           duties
           be
           set
           up
           ,
           where
           communion
           with
           God
           is
           not
           aimed
           at
           ,
           but
           only
           the
           duty
           it self
           ,
           as
           is
           the
           manner
           of
           men
           in
           most
           of
           their
           superstitious
           Worship
           ,
           the
           opposition
           that
           will
           lye
           against
           it
           from
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin
           will
           be
           very
           weak
           ,
           easie
           and
           gentle
           .
           Or
           as
           the
           Assyrians
           because
           of
           his
           shew
           of
           a
           King
           ,
           assaulted
           Jehosaphat
           ,
           but
           when
           they
           found
           that
           it
           was
           not
           Ahab
           ,
           they
           turned
           back
           from
           pursuing
           of
           him
           .
           Because
           there
           is
           a
           shew
           and
           appearance
           of
           the
           Worship
           of
           God
           ,
           sin
           may
           make
           head
           against
           it
           at
           first
           ,
           but
           when
           the
           duty
           cryes
           out
           in
           the
           heart
           ,
           that
           indeed
           God
           is
           not
           there
           ;
           Sin
           turns
           away
           to
           seek
           out
           its
           proper
           Enemy
           ,
           even
           God
           himself
           elsewhere
           .
           And
           hence
           do
           many
           poor
           Creatures
           spend
           their
           dayes
           in
           dismal
           tiring
           Superstitions
           ,
           without
           any
           great
           reluctancy
           from
           within
           ,
           when
           others
           cannot
           be
           suffered
           freely
           to
           watch
           with
           Christ
           in
           a
           spiritual
           manner
           one
           hour
           .
           And
           it
           is
           no
           wonder
           that
           men
           fight
           with
           carnal
           weapons
           for
           their
           Superstitious
           Worship
           without
           ,
           when
           they
           have
           no
           fighting
           against
           it
           within
           .
           For
           God
           is
           not
           in
           it
           ;
           and
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin
           makes
           not
           opposition
           to
           any
           duty
           ,
           but
           to
           God
           in
           every
           duty
           .
           This
           is
           our
           state
           and
           condition
           ,
           all
           the
           opposition
           that
           ariseth
           in
           us
           unto
           any
           thing
           that
           is
           spiritually
           good
           ,
           whether
           it
           be
           from
           darkness
           in
           the
           mind
           ,
           or
           aversation
           in
           the
           will
           ,
           or
           sloth
           in
           the
           Affections
           ,
           all
           the
           secret
           arguings
           and
           reasonings
           that
           are
           in
           the
           soul
           in
           pursuit
           of
           them
           ,
           the
           direct
           object
           of
           them
           is
           God
           himself
           .
           The
           enmity
           lyes
           against
           him
           ,
           which
           consideration
           surely
           should
           influence
           us
           to
           a
           perpetual
           constant
           watchfulness
           over
           our selves
           .
        
         
         
           It
           is
           thus
           also
           in
           respect
           of
           all
           propensity
           unto
           sin
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           aversation
           from
           God.
           It
           is
           God
           himself
           that
           is
           aimed
           at
           .
           It
           is
           true
           ,
           the
           pleasures
           ,
           the
           wages
           of
           sin
           do
           greatly
           influence
           the
           sensual
           carnall
           affections
           of
           men
           ;
           but
           it
           is
           the
           Holiness
           and
           Authority
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           sin
           it self
           rises
           up
           against
           :
           It
           hates
           the
           yoke
           of
           the
           Lord
           ;
           
             Thou
             hast
             been
             weary
             of
             me
             ,
          
           saith
           God
           to
           sinners
           ,
           and
           that
           during
           their
           performance
           of
           abundance
           of
           duties
           .
           Every
           act
           of
           sin
           is
           a
           fruit
           of
           being
           
             weary
             of
             God.
          
           Thus
           Job
           tells
           us
           ,
           what
           lyes
           at
           the
           bottom
           in
           the
           heart
           of
           sinners
           ;
           
             they
             say
             to
             the
             Lord
             ,
             depart
             from
             us
          
           ;
           it
           is
           enmity
           against
           him
           and
           aversation
           from
           him
           .
           Here
           lyes
           the
           formal
           nature
           of
           every
           sin
           ,
           it
           is
           an
           opposition
           to
           God
           ,
           a
           casting
           off
           his
           yoke
           ,
           a
           breaking
           off
           the
           dependance
           which
           the
           Creature
           ought
           to
           have
           on
           the
           Creator
           .
           And
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           Rom.
           8.
           7.
           gives
           the
           reason
           why
           he
           affirms
           
             the
             carnal
             mind
             to
             be
             enmity
             against
             God
          
           ;
           namely
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           
             not
             subject
             to
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             nor
             indeed
             can
             be
             .
          
           It
           never
           is
           ,
           nor
           will
           ,
           nor
           can
           be
           subject
           to
           God
           ,
           its
           whole
           nature
           consisting
           in
           an
           opposition
           to
           him
           .
           The
           soul
           wherein
           it
           is
           ,
           may
           be
           subject
           to
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           ,
           but
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin
           sets
           up
           in
           contrariety
           unto
           it
           ,
           and
           will
           not
           be
           in
           subjection
           .
        
         
           To
           manifest
           a
           little
           farther
           the
           power
           of
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin
           from
           this
           property
           of
           its
           nature
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           enmity
           against
           God
           ;
           one
           or
           two
           inseparable
           Adjuncts
           of
           it
           may
           be
           considered
           ,
           which
           will
           farther
           evince
           it
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           it
           is
           universal
           ;
           Some
           contentions
           are
           bounded
           unto
           some
           particular
           concernments
           ,
           this
           is
           about
           one
           thing
           ,
           that
           about
           another
           .
           It
           is
           not
           so
           
           here
           ;
           the
           enmity
           is
           absolute
           and
           universal
           ,
           as
           are
           all
           enmities
           that
           are
           grounded
           in
           the
           nature
           of
           the
           things
           themselves
           .
           Such
           enmity
           is
           against
           the
           whole
           kind
           of
           that
           which
           is
           its
           object
           .
           Such
           is
           this
           enmity
           ;
           for
           First
           ,
           It
           is
           Vniversal
           to
           all
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           is
           Vniversal
           in
           all
           of
           the
           soul.
           
        
         
           First
           ,
           It
           is
           
             universal
             to
             all
             of
             God.
          
           If
           there
           were
           any
           thing
           of
           God
           ,
           his
           nature
           ,
           properties
           ,
           his
           mind
           or
           will
           ,
           his
           Law
           or
           Gospel
           ,
           any
           duty
           of
           obedience
           to
           him
           ,
           of
           communion
           with
           him
           ,
           that
           sin
           had
           not
           an
           enmity
           against
           ,
           the
           soul
           might
           have
           a
           constant
           shelter
           and
           retreat
           within
           it self
           ,
           by
           applying
           it self
           to
           that
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           that
           of
           duty
           towards
           him
           ,
           to
           that
           of
           communion
           with
           him
           ,
           that
           sin
           would
           make
           no
           opposition
           against
           .
           But
           the
           enmity
           lyes
           against
           God
           ,
           and
           all
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           every
           thing
           wherein
           or
           whereby
           we
           have
           to
           do
           with
           him
           .
           It
           is
           not
           subject
           to
           the
           Law
           ,
           nor
           any
           part
           nor
           parcel
           ,
           word
           or
           tittle
           of
           the
           Law.
           Whatever
           is
           opposite
           to
           any
           thing
           as
           such
           ,
           is
           opposite
           unto
           all
           of
           it
           .
           Sin
           is
           enmity
           to
           God
           as
           God
           ,
           and
           therefore
           to
           all
           of
           God.
           Not
           his
           Goodness
           ,
           not
           his
           Holiness
           ,
           not
           his
           Mercy
           ,
           not
           his
           Grace
           ,
           not
           his
           Promises
           :
           There
           is
           not
           any
           thing
           of
           him
           ,
           which
           it
           doth
           not
           make
           head
           against
           ;
           nor
           any
           duty
           ,
           private
           ,
           publick
           ,
           in
           the
           heart
           ,
           in
           external
           works
           ,
           which
           it
           opposeth
           not
           .
           And
           the
           nearer
           (
           if
           I
           may
           so
           say
           )
           any
           thing
           is
           to
           God
           ,
           the
           greater
           is
           its
           enmity
           unto
           it
           .
           The
           more
           of
           spirituality
           and
           holiness
           is
           in
           any
           thing
           ,
           the
           greater
           is
           its
           enmity
           .
           That
           which
           hath
           most
           of
           God
           ,
           hath
           most
           of
           its
           opposition
           .
           Concerning
           them
           in
           whom
           this
           Law
           is
           predominant
           ,
           God
           sayes
           ,
           
             Ye
             have
             set
             at
             
             naught
             all
             my
             counsel
             ,
             and
             you
             would
             have
             none
             of
             my
             reproof
             ,
             Prov.
          
           1.
           25.
           
           Not
           this
           or
           that
           part
           of
           Gods
           counsel
           ,
           his
           mind
           or
           will
           is
           opposed
           ,
           but
           
             all
             his
             counsel
          
           ;
           whatever
           he
           calleth
           for
           ,
           or
           guideth
           unto
           ,
           in
           every
           particular
           of
           it
           ,
           all
           is
           set
           at
           naught
           ,
           and
           nothing
           of
           his
           reproof
           attended
           unto
           .
           A
           man
           would
           think
           it
           not
           very
           strange
           that
           sin
           should
           maintain
           an
           enmity
           against
           God
           in
           his
           Law
           ,
           which
           comes
           to
           judge
           it
           ,
           to
           condemn
           it
           ;
           but
           it
           raiseth
           a
           greater
           enmity
           against
           him
           in
           his
           Gospel
           ,
           wherein
           he
           tenders
           mercy
           and
           pardon
           ,
           as
           a
           deliverance
           from
           it
           ,
           and
           that
           meerly
           because
           more
           of
           the
           glorious
           properties
           of
           God
           nature
           ,
           more
           of
           his
           excellencies
           and
           condescension
           ,
           is
           manifested
           therein
           ,
           than
           in
           the
           other
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           is
           
             universal
             in
             all
             of
             the
             soul.
          
           Would
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin
           have
           contented
           it self
           to
           have
           subdued
           any
           one
           faculty
           of
           the
           soul
           ,
           would
           it
           have
           left
           any
           one
           at
           liberty
           ,
           any
           one
           affection
           free
           from
           its
           yoke
           and
           bondage
           ,
           it
           might
           possibly
           have
           been
           with
           more
           ease
           opposed
           ,
           or
           subdued
           .
           But
           when
           Christ
           comes
           with
           his
           spiritual
           power
           upon
           the
           soul
           to
           conquer
           it
           to
           himself
           ,
           he
           hath
           no
           quiet
           landing
           place
           .
           He
           can
           set
           foot
           on
           no
           ground
           but
           what
           he
           must
           fight
           for
           and
           conquer
           .
           Not
           the
           mind
           ,
           not
           an
           Affection
           ,
           not
           the
           will
           ,
           but
           all
           is
           secured
           against
           him
           .
           And
           when
           Grace
           hath
           made
           its
           entrance
           ;
           yet
           sin
           will
           dwell
           
             in
             all
             its
             coasts
          
           .
           Were
           any
           thing
           in
           the
           soul
           at
           perfect
           freedom
           and
           liberty
           ,
           there
           a
           stand
           might
           be
           made
           to
           drive
           it
           from
           all
           the
           rest
           of
           its
           holds
           :
           But
           it
           is
           universal
           ,
           and
           wars
           in
           the
           whole
           soul.
           The
           mind
           hath
           its
           own
           darkness
           and
           vanity
           to
           wrestle
           with
           ;
           the
           will
           its
           
           own
           stubborness
           ,
           obstinacy
           and
           perversness
           ,
           every
           affection
           it
           s
           own
           frowardness
           and
           aversation
           from
           God
           ,
           and
           its
           sensuality
           to
           deal
           withal
           ;
           so
           that
           one
           cannot
           yield
           relief
           unto
           one
           another
           ,
           as
           they
           ought
           ;
           they
           have
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           their
           hands
           full
           at
           home
           .
           Hence
           it
           is
           that
           our
           knowledge
           is
           imperfect
           ,
           our
           obedience
           weak
           ,
           love
           not
           immixed
           ,
           fear
           not
           pure
           ,
           delight
           not
           free
           and
           noble
           .
           But
           I
           must
           not
           insist
           on
           these
           particulars
           ,
           or
           I
           could
           abundantly
           shew
           how
           diffused
           this
           principle
           of
           enmity
           against
           God
           is
           through
           the
           whole
           soul.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Hereunto
           might
           be
           added
           its
           constancy
           .
           It
           is
           constant
           unto
           it self
           ,
           it
           wavers
           not
           ,
           it
           hath
           no
           thoughts
           of
           yielding
           or
           giving
           over
           ,
           notwithstanding
           the
           powerful
           opposition
           that
           is
           made
           unto
           it
           both
           by
           the
           Law
           and
           Gospel
           ,
           as
           afterwards
           shall
           be
           shewed
           .
        
         
           This
           then
           is
           a
           
             third
             Evidence
          
           of
           the
           power
           of
           sin
           ,
           taken
           from
           its
           nature
           and
           properties
           ,
           wherein
           I
           have
           fixed
           but
           on
           
             one
             instance
          
           for
           its
           Illustration
           ,
           namely
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           
             enmity
             against
             God
          
           ,
           and
           that
           universal
           and
           constant
           .
           Should
           we
           enter
           upon
           a
           full
           description
           of
           it
           ,
           it
           would
           require
           more
           space
           and
           time
           than
           we
           have
           allotted
           to
           this
           whole
           subject
           .
           What
           hath
           been
           delivered
           might
           give
           us
           a
           little
           sense
           of
           it
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           stir
           us
           up
           unto
           watchfulness
           .
           What
           can
           be
           of
           a
           more
           sad
           consideration
           than
           that
           we
           should
           carry
           about
           us
           constantly
           that
           which
           is
           enmity
           against
           God
           ,
           and
           that
           not
           in
           this
           or
           that
           particular
           ,
           but
           in
           all
           that
           he
           is
           ,
           and
           in
           all
           wherein
           he
           hath
           revealed
           himself
           .
           I
           cannot
           say
           it
           is
           well
           with
           them
           who
           
             find
             it
             not
          
           .
           
           It
           is
           well
           with
           them
           indeed
           in
           whom
           it
           is
           weakned
           ,
           and
           the
           power
           of
           it
           abated
           .
           But
           yet
           for
           them
           who
           say
           it
           
             is
             not
             in
             them
             ,
             they
             do
             but
             deceive
             themselves
             ,
             and
             there
             is
             no
             truth
             in
             them
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           CHAP.
           V.
           
        
         
           
             Nature
             of
             Sin
             farther
             discovered
             as
             it
             is
             enmity
             against
             God.
             Its
             aversation
             from
             all
             good
             ,
             opened
             .
             Means
             to
             prevent
             the
             effects
             of
             it
             prescribed
             .
          
        
         
           WE
           have
           considered
           somewhat
           of
           the
           nature
           of
           Indwelling-sin
           ,
           not
           absolutely
           ,
           but
           in
           reference
           unto
           the
           discovery
           of
           its
           power
           .
           But
           this
           more
           cleary
           evidenceth
           it self
           in
           its
           actings
           and
           operations
           .
           Power
           is
           an
           act
           of
           life
           ,
           and
           operation
           is
           the
           only
           discoverer
           of
           life
           .
           We
           know
           not
           that
           any
           thing
           lives
           ,
           but
           by
           the
           effects
           and
           works
           of
           life
           .
           And
           great
           and
           strong
           operations
           discover
           a
           powerful
           and
           vigorous
           life
           .
           Such
           are
           the
           operations
           of
           this
           
             Law
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           which
           are
           all
           demonstrations
           of
           its
           power
           .
        
         
           That
           which
           we
           have
           declared
           concerning
           its
           nature
           ,
           is
           that
           it
           consists
           in
           enmity
           .
           Now
           there
           are
           two
           general
           heads
           of
           the
           working
           or
           operation
           of
           enmity
           .
           First
           ,
           Aversation
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           Opposition
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           Aversation
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           describing
           the
           enmity
           that
           was
           between
           himself
           and
           the
           Theachers
           of
           the
           Jews
           ,
           by
           the
           effects
           of
           it
           ,
           saith
           in
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           
             My
             soul
             loathed
             them
             ,
             and
             their
             soul
             also
             abhorred
             
             me
             ,
             Zach.
          
           7.
           8.
           
           Where
           there
           is
           mutual
           enmity
           ,
           there
           is
           mutual
           aversation
           ,
           loathing
           ,
           and
           abomination
           .
           So
           it
           was
           between
           the
           Jews
           and
           the
           Samaritans
           ,
           they
           were
           enemies
           ,
           and
           abhorred
           one
           another
           ;
           as
           Joh.
           4.
           9.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Opposition
           ,
           or
           contending
           against
           one
           another
           ,
           is
           the
           next
           product
           of
           
             enmity
             ,
             Isa.
          
           63.
           10.
           
           
             He
             was
             turned
             to
             be
             their
             enemy
             ,
             and
             he
             fought
             against
             them
          
           ;
           speaking
           of
           God
           towards
           the
           people
           .
           Where
           there
           is
           enmity
           ,
           there
           will
           be
           fighting
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           proper
           and
           natural
           product
           of
           it
           .
           Now
           both
           these
           effects
           are
           found
           in
           this
           
             Law
             of
             sin
          
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           For
           Aversation
           ,
           there
           is
           an
           aversation
           in
           it
           unto
           God
           ,
           and
           every
           thing
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           in
           part
           discovered
           in
           handling
           the
           enmity
           it self
           ,
           and
           so
           shall
           not
           need
           much
           to
           insist
           upon
           it
           again
           .
           All
           indisposition
           unto
           duty
           ,
           wherein
           communion
           with
           God
           is
           to
           be
           obtained
           ,
           all
           weariness
           of
           duty
           ,
           all
           carnality
           or
           formality
           under
           duty
           ,
           it
           all
           springs
           from
           this
           root
           .
           The
           wise
           man
           cautions
           us
           against
           this
           evil
           ,
           Eccles.
           5.
           1.
           
           
             When
             thou
             goest
             to
             the
             house
             of
             God
             ,
             keep
             thy
             foot
             .
          
           Hast
           thou
           any
           spiritual
           duty
           to
           perform
           ,
           and
           dost
           thou
           design
           the
           attaining
           of
           any
           communion
           with
           God
           ?
           look
           to
           thy self
           ,
           take
           care
           of
           thy
           affections
           ,
           they
           will
           be
           gadding
           and
           wandring
           ,
           and
           that
           from
           their
           aversation
           to
           what
           thou
           hast
           in
           hand
           .
           There
           is
           not
           any
           good
           that
           we
           would
           do
           ,
           wherein
           we
           may
           not
           find
           this
           aversation
           exercising
           it self
           .
           
             When
             I
             would
             do
             good
             ,
             evil
             is
             present
             with
             me
          
           ;
           at
           any
           time
           ,
           at
           all
           times
           ,
           when
           I
           would
           do
           any
           thing
           that
           is
           spiritually
           good
           ,
           it
           is
           present
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           to
           
             hinder
             me
          
           ,
           to
           obstruct
           me
           in
           my
           duty
           ,
           because
           it
           abhors
           and
           loaths
           the
           thing
           
           which
           I
           have
           in
           hand
           ,
           it
           will
           keep
           me
           off
           from
           it
           if
           it
           be
           possible
           .
           In
           them
           in
           whom
           it
           prevails
           ,
           it
           comes
           at
           length
           unto
           that
           frame
           which
           is
           expressed
           ,
           Ezech.
           33.
           31.
           
           It
           will
           allow
           an
           outward
           
             bodily
             presence
          
           unto
           the
           worship
           of
           God
           ,
           wherein
           it
           is
           not
           concerned
           ,
           but
           it
           keeps
           the
           heart
           quite
           away
           .
        
         
           It
           may
           be
           some
           will
           pretend
           ,
           they
           find
           it
           not
           so
           in
           themselves
           ,
           but
           they
           have
           freedom
           and
           liberty
           in
           and
           unto
           all
           the
           duties
           of
           obedience
           that
           they
           attend
           unto
           .
           But
           I
           fear
           ,
           this
           
             pretended
             liberty
          
           will
           be
           found
           upon
           examination
           to
           arise
           from
           one
           or
           both
           of
           these
           causes
           .
           First
           ,
           Ignorance
           of
           the
           true
           state
           and
           condition
           of
           their
           own
           souls
           ,
           of
           their
           inward
           man
           and
           its
           actings
           towards
           God.
           They
           know
           not
           how
           it
           is
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           therefore
           are
           not
           to
           be
           believed
           in
           what
           they
           report
           .
           They
           are
           in
           the
           dark
           and
           neither
           know
           what
           they
           do
           ,
           nor
           whither
           they
           are
           going
           .
           It
           is
           like
           the
           Pharisee
           knew
           little
           of
           this
           matter
           ,
           which
           made
           him
           boast
           of
           his
           duties
           to
           God
           himself
           .
           Or
           ,
           secondly
           ,
           It
           may
           be
           what
           ever
           duties
           of
           worship
           or
           obedience
           such
           persons
           perform
           ,
           they
           may
           through
           want
           of
           faith
           ,
           and
           an
           interest
           in
           Christ
           ,
           have
           no
           communion
           with
           God
           in
           them
           .
           And
           if
           so
           ,
           sin
           will
           make
           but
           little
           opposition
           unto
           them
           therein
           .
           We
           speak
           of
           them
           whose
           hearts
           are
           exercised
           with
           these
           things
           ,
           and
           if
           under
           their
           complaints
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           groanings
           for
           deliverance
           from
           them
           ,
           others
           cry
           out
           unto
           them
           ,
           
             Stand
             off
             ,
             we
             are
             holier
             than
             ye
             ,
          
           they
           are
           willing
           to
           bear
           their
           condition
           ,
           as
           knowing
           that
           their
           way
           may
           be
           safe
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           troublesome
           ,
           and
           being
           willing
           to
           see
           their
           own
           dangers
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           avoid
           the
           ruine
           which
           others
           fall
           into
           .
        
         
         
           Let
           us
           then
           a
           little
           consider
           this
           aversation
           in
           such
           acts
           of
           obedience
           ,
           as
           wherein
           there
           is
           no
           concernment
           but
           that
           of
           God
           and
           the
           soul.
           In
           publick
           duties
           there
           may
           be
           a
           mixture
           of
           other
           considerations
           ;
           they
           may
           be
           so
           influenced
           by
           custom
           and
           necessity
           ,
           that
           a
           right
           judgment
           cannot
           from
           them
           be
           made
           of
           this
           matter
           .
           But
           let
           us
           take
           into
           consideration
           the
           duties
           of
           retirement
           ,
           as
           
             private
             Prayer
          
           and
           Meditation
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           ;
           or
           else
           extraordinary
           duties
           ,
           or
           duties
           to
           be
           performed
           in
           an
           extraordinary
           manner
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           In
           these
           will
           this
           aversation
           and
           loathing
           oftentimes
           discover
           it self
           in
           the
           affections
           .
           A
           secret
           striving
           will
           be
           in
           them
           about
           close
           and
           cordial
           dealing
           with
           God.
           Unless
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           in
           his
           Spirit
           be
           high
           and
           strong
           upon
           the
           soul
           ,
           even
           when
           convictions
           ,
           sense
           of
           duty
           ,
           dear
           and
           real
           esteem
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           communion
           with
           him
           ,
           have
           carried
           the
           soul
           into
           its
           closet
           ,
           yet
           if
           there
           be
           not
           the
           vigour
           and
           power
           of
           a
           
             spiritual
             life
          
           constantly
           at
           work
           ,
           there
           will
           be
           a
           secret
           lothness
           in
           them
           unto
           duty
           ;
           yea
           ,
           sometimes
           there
           will
           be
           a
           violent
           inclination
           to
           the
           contrary
           ;
           so
           that
           the
           soul
           had
           rather
           do
           any
           thing
           ,
           embrace
           any
           diversion
           ,
           though
           it
           would
           it self
           thereby
           ,
           than
           vigorously
           apply
           it self
           unto
           that
           which
           in
           the
           inward
           man
           it
           breaths
           after
           .
           It
           is
           weary
           before
           it
           begins
           ,
           and
           says
           ,
           when
           will
           the
           work
           be
           over
           ?
           Here
           God
           and
           the
           soul
           are
           immediately
           concerned
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           a
           great
           conquest
           to
           
             do
             what
             we
             would
          
           ,
           though
           we
           come
           exceedingly
           short
           of
           what
           
             we
             should
          
           do
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           discovers
           it self
           in
           the
           mind
           also
           :
           when
           we
           address
           our selves
           to
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           we
           
           are
           ,
           as
           Job
           speaks
           ,
           
             to
             fill
             our
             mouths
             with
             arguments
             ,
             Job
          
           23.
           4.
           that
           we
           may
           be
           able
           to
           plead
           with
           him
           ,
           as
           he
           calls
           upon
           us
           to
           do
           ,
           Isa.
           43.
           26.
           
           
             Put
             me
             in
             remembrance
             ,
             let
             us
             plead
             together
             .
          
           Whence
           the
           Church
           is
           called
           upon
           to
           take
           unto
           it self
           words
           or
           arguments
           in
           going
           to
           God
           ,
           Hos.
           14.
           2.
           
           The
           sum
           is
           ,
           that
           the
           Mind
           should
           be
           furnished
           with
           the
           considerations
           that
           are
           prevailing
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           be
           in
           readiness
           to
           plead
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           manage
           them
           in
           the
           most
           spiritual
           manner
           to
           the
           best
           advantage
           .
           Now
           is
           there
           no
           difficulty
           to
           get
           the
           mind
           into
           such
           a
           frame
           ,
           as
           to
           lay
           out
           it self
           to
           the
           utmost
           in
           this
           work
           ?
           to
           be
           clear
           ,
           steady
           ,
           and
           constant
           in
           its
           duty
           ?
           To
           draw
           out
           ,
           and
           make
           use
           of
           its
           stores
           and
           furniture
           of
           promises
           and
           experiences
           ?
           It
           starts
           ,
           wanders
           ,
           flags
           all
           from
           this
           secret
           aversation
           unto
           communion
           with
           God
           ,
           which
           proceeds
           from
           the
           
             Law
             of
             Indwelling-sin
          
           .
           Some
           complain
           that
           they
           can
           make
           no
           work
           of
           Meditation
           ,
           they
           cannot
           bend
           their
           minds
           unto
           it
           .
           I
           confess
           there
           may
           be
           a
           great
           cause
           of
           this
           ,
           in
           their
           want
           of
           a
           right
           understanding
           of
           the
           duty
           it self
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           ways
           of
           manageing
           the
           soul
           in
           it
           ,
           which
           therefore
           I
           shall
           a
           little
           speak
           to
           afterwards
           .
           But
           yet
           this
           
             secret
             enmity
          
           hath
           its
           hand
           in
           the
           loss
           they
           are
           at
           also
           ,
           and
           that
           both
           in
           their
           minds
           and
           in
           their
           affections
           .
           Others
           are
           forced
           to
           live
           in
           family
           and
           publick
           duties
           ,
           they
           find
           such
           little
           benefit
           and
           success
           in
           private
           .
           And
           here
           hath
           been
           the
           beginning
           of
           the
           Apostasie
           of
           many
           Professors
           ,
           and
           the
           source
           of
           many
           foolish
           sensual
           opinions
           .
           Finding
           this
           aversation
           in
           their
           minds
           and
           affections
           from
           closeness
           and
           constancy
           in
           private
           spiritual
           duties
           ,
           not
           knowing
           how
           to
           
           conquer
           and
           prevail
           against
           these
           difficulties
           through
           
             him
             who
             enables
             us
          
           ,
           they
           have
           at
           first
           been
           subdued
           to
           a
           neglect
           of
           them
           ,
           first
           partial
           ,
           then
           total
           ,
           until
           having
           lost
           all
           conscience
           of
           them
           ,
           they
           have
           had
           a
           door
           opened
           unto
           all
           sin
           and
           licentiousness
           ,
           and
           so
           to
           a
           full
           and
           utter
           Apostasie
           .
           I
           am
           perswaded
           there
           are
           very
           few
           that
           apostatize
           from
           a
           profession
           of
           any
           continuance
           ,
           such
           as
           our
           days
           abound
           withall
           ,
           but
           their
           door
           of
           entrance
           into
           the
           folly
           of
           back-sliding
           ,
           was
           either
           some
           
             great
             and
             notorious
             sin
          
           that
           bloodied
           their
           consciences
           ,
           tainted
           their
           affections
           ,
           and
           intercepted
           all
           delight
           of
           having
           any
           thing
           more
           to
           do
           with
           God
           ;
           or
           else
           it
           was
           a
           course
           of
           
             neglect
             in
             private
             duties
          
           ,
           arising
           from
           a
           weariness
           of
           contending
           against
           that
           powerful
           aversation
           which
           they
           found
           in
           themselves
           unto
           them
           .
           And
           this
           also
           through
           the
           craft
           of
           Satan
           hath
           been
           improved
           into
           many
           foolish
           and
           sensual
           opinions
           ,
           of
           
             living
             unto
             God
             without
             ,
             and
             above
             any
             duties
             of
             communion
             .
          
           And
           we
           find
           ,
           that
           after
           men
           have
           for
           a
           while
           choaked
           and
           blinded
           their
           consciences
           with
           this
           pretence
           ,
           cursed
           wickedness
           or
           sensuality
           hath
           been
           the
           end
           of
           their
           folly
           .
           And
           the
           reason
           of
           all
           this
           is
           ,
           that
           the
           giving
           way
           to
           the
           
             Law
             of
             sin
          
           in
           the
           least
           ,
           is
           the
           giving
           strength
           unto
           it
           :
           To
           let
           it
           alone
           is
           to
           let
           it
           grow
           ,
           not
           to
           conquer
           it
           is
           to
           be
           conquered
           by
           it
           .
        
         
           As
           it
           is
           in
           respect
           of
           private
           ,
           so
           it
           is
           also
           in
           respect
           of
           publick
           duties
           ,
           that
           have
           any
           thing
           extraordinary
           in
           them
           .
           What
           strivings
           ,
           struglings
           ,
           and
           pleadings
           are
           there
           in
           the
           heart
           about
           them
           ,
           especially
           against
           the
           spirituality
           of
           them
           ?
           Yea
           ,
           in
           and
           under
           them
           ,
           will
           not
           the
           mind
           and
           affections
           
           sometimes
           be
           intangled
           with
           things
           uncouth
           ,
           new
           and
           strange
           unto
           them
           ,
           such
           as
           at
           the
           time
           of
           the
           least
           serious
           business
           ,
           a
           man
           would
           not
           deign
           to
           take
           into
           his
           thoughts
           .
           But
           if
           the
           least
           loose
           ,
           liberty
           or
           advantage
           be
           given
           unto
           Indwelling-sin
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           not
           perpetually
           watched
           over
           ,
           it
           will
           work
           to
           a
           strange
           and
           an
           unexpected
           issue
           .
           In
           brief
           ,
           let
           the
           soul
           uncloath
           any
           duty
           what
           ever
           ,
           private
           or
           publick
           ,
           any
           thing
           that
           is
           called
           Good
           ,
           let
           a
           man
           divest
           it
           of
           all
           outward
           respects
           which
           secretly
           insinuate
           themselves
           into
           the
           mind
           ,
           and
           give
           it
           some
           complacency
           in
           what
           it
           is
           about
           ,
           but
           do
           not
           render
           it
           acceptable
           unto
           God
           ,
           and
           he
           shall
           assuredly
           find
           somewhat
           of
           the
           power
           ,
           and
           some
           of
           the
           effects
           of
           this
           aversation
           .
           It
           begins
           in
           lothness
           and
           indisposition
           ,
           goes
           on
           with
           intangling
           the
           mind
           and
           affections
           with
           other
           things
           ,
           and
           will
           end
           ,
           if
           not
           prevented
           ,
           in
           weariness
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           he
           complains
           of
           in
           his
           people
           ,
           Isa.
           43.
           22.
           
           They
           ceased
           from
           duty
           because
           they
           were
           weary
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           But
           this
           instance
           being
           of
           great
           importance
           unto
           Professors
           in
           their
           walking
           with
           God
           ,
           we
           must
           not
           pass
           it
           over
           without
           some
           intimations
           of
           directions
           for
           them
           in
           their
           contending
           against
           it
           ,
           and
           opposition
           to
           it
           .
           Only
           this
           must
           be
           premised
           ,
           that
           I
           am
           not
           giving
           directions
           for
           the
           mortifying
           of
           Indwelling-sin
           in
           general
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           be
           done
           alone
           by
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Christ
           ,
           by
           vertue
           of
           our
           union
           with
           him
           ,
           Rom.
           8.
           13.
           but
           only
           of
           our
           
             particular
             duty
          
           ,
           with
           reference
           unto
           this
           especial
           evil
           or
           effect
           of
           Indwelling-sin
           that
           we
           have
           a
           little
           insisted
           on
           ,
           or
           what
           in
           this
           
             single
             case
          
           the
           wisdom
           of
           faith
           seems
           to
           direct
           unto
           ,
           and
           call
           for
           ;
           which
           will
           be
           our
           
           way
           and
           course
           in
           our
           process
           upon
           the
           consideration
           of
           other
           effects
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           The
           great
           means
           to
           prevent
           the
           fruits
           and
           effects
           of
           this
           aversation
           ,
           is
           the
           constant
           keeping
           of
           the
           soul
           in
           an
           universally
           holy
           frame
           .
           As
           this
           weakens
           the
           whole
           
             Law
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           so
           answerably
           all
           its
           properties
           ;
           and
           particulary
           this
           aversation
           .
           It
           is
           this
           frame
           only
           that
           will
           enable
           us
           to
           say
           with
           the
           
             Psalmist
             ,
             Psal.
          
           57.
           7.
           
           
             My
             heart
             is
             fixed
             ,
             O
             God
             ,
             my
             heart
             is
             fixed
             .
          
           It
           is
           utterly
           impossible
           to
           keep
           the
           heart
           in
           a
           prevailing
           holy
           frame
           in
           
             any
             one
             duty
          
           ,
           unless
           it
           be
           so
           in
           and
           unto
           
             all
             and
             every
             one
          
           .
           If
           sin
           intanglements
           get
           hold
           in
           any
           
             one
             thing
          
           ,
           they
           will
           put
           themselves
           upon
           the
           soul
           in
           
             every
             thing
          
           .
           A
           constant
           even
           frame
           and
           temper
           in
           all
           duties
           ,
           in
           
             all
             ways
          
           ,
           is
           the
           only
           preservative
           for
           any
           one
           way
           .
           Let
           not
           him
           who
           is
           neglective
           in
           publick
           perswade
           himself
           ,
           that
           all
           will
           be
           clear
           and
           easie
           in
           private
           or
           on
           the
           contrary
           .
           There
           is
           an
           harmony
           in
           obedience
           ,
           break
           but
           one
           part
           and
           you
           interrupt
           the
           whole
           .
           Our
           wounds
           in
           particular
           arise
           generally
           from
           negligence
           as
           to
           the
           whole
           course
           .
           So
           David
           informs
           us
           ,
           Psal.
           119.
           6.
           
           
             Then
             shall
             I
             not
             be
             ashamed
             ,
             when
             I
             have
             a
             respect
             unto
             all
             thy
             commandements
             .
          
           An
           universal
           respect
           to
           all
           Gods
           commandements
           ,
           is
           the
           only
           preservative
           from
           shame
           .
           And
           nothing
           have
           we
           more
           reason
           to
           be
           ashamed
           of
           ,
           than
           the
           shameful
           miscarriages
           of
           our
           hearts
           in
           point
           of
           duty
           ,
           which
           are
           from
           the
           principle
           before
           mentioned
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Labour
           to
           prevent
           the
           very
           beginnings
           of
           the
           workings
           of
           this
           aversation
           ;
           let
           grace
           be
           before-hand
           with
           it
           in
           every
           duty
           .
           We
           are
           directed
           ,
           1
           Pet.
           4.
           7.
           to
           
             watch
             unto
             prayer
          
           ;
           and
           as
           is
           
           is
           unto
           prayer
           ,
           so
           unto
           every
           duty
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           to
           consider
           and
           take
           care
           that
           we
           be
           not
           hindered
           from
           within
           ,
           nor
           from
           without
           ,
           as
           to
           a
           due
           performance
           of
           it
           .
           Watch
           against
           temptations
           to
           oppose
           them
           ,
           watch
           against
           the
           Aversation
           that
           is
           in
           sin
           to
           prevent
           it
           .
           As
           we
           are
           not
           to
           
             give
             place
             to
             Satan
          
           ,
           no
           more
           are
           we
           to
           sin
           .
           If
           it
           be
           not
           prevented
           in
           its
           first
           attempts
           ,
           it
           will
           prevail
           .
           My
           meaning
           is
           ,
           whatever
           Good
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ,
           we
           have
           to
           do
           ,
           and
           
             find
             evil
             present
             with
             us
          
           ,
           as
           we
           shall
           find
           it
           present
           ,
           prevent
           its
           parlying
           with
           the
           soul
           ,
           its
           insinuating
           of
           poison
           into
           the
           mind
           and
           Affections
           ,
           by
           a
           vigorous
           ,
           holy
           ,
           violent
           stirring
           up
           of
           the
           grace
           ,
           or
           graces
           that
           are
           to
           be
           acted
           and
           set
           at
           work
           peculiary
           in
           that
           duty
           .
           Let
           Jacob
           come
           first
           into
           the
           world
           ,
           or
           if
           prevented
           by
           the
           violence
           of
           Esau
           let
           him
           lay
           hold
           on
           his
           heel
           to
           overthrow
           him
           ,
           and
           obtain
           the
           birth-right
           .
           Upon
           the
           very
           first
           motion
           of
           Peter
           to
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           crying
           ,
           
             Master
             ,
             spare
             thy self
          
           ,
           he
           immediately
           replyes
           ,
           
             get
             thee
             behind
             me
             Satan
          
           .
           So
           ought
           we
           to
           say
           ,
           get
           thee
           gone
           thou
           
             Law
             of
             Sin
          
           ,
           thou
           present
           evil
           ,
           and
           it
           may
           be
           of
           the
           same
           use
           unto
           us
           .
           Get
           grace
           then
           ,
           up
           betimes
           unto
           Duty
           ,
           and
           be
           early
           in
           the
           rebukes
           of
           sin
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Though
           it
           do
           its
           worst
           ,
           yet
           be
           sure
           it
           never
           prevail
           to
           a
           conquest
           .
           Be
           sure
           you
           be
           not
           wearied
           out
           by
           its
           pertinacy
           ,
           nor
           driven
           from
           your
           hold
           by
           its
           importunity
           ;
           Do
           not
           faint
           by
           its
           opposition
           .
           Take
           the
           Apostles
           advice
           Heb.
           6.
           11.
           
           
             We
             desire
             that
             every
             one
             of
             you
             ,
             do
             shew
             the
             same
             diligence
             to
             the
             full
             assurance
             of
             hope
             unto
             the
             end
             that
             ye
             be
             not
             slothful
             .
          
           Still
           hold
           out
           in
           the
           same
           diligence
           .
           
           There
           are
           many
           wayes
           whereby
           men
           are
           driven
           from
           a
           constant
           holy
           performance
           of
           duties
           ,
           all
           of
           them
           dangerous
           ,
           if
           not
           pernicious
           to
           the
           soul.
           Some
           are
           diverted
           by
           business
           ,
           some
           by
           company
           ,
           some
           by
           the
           power
           of
           temptations
           ,
           some
           discouraged
           by
           their
           own
           darkness
           ;
           but
           none
           so
           dangerous
           as
           this
           ,
           when
           the
           soul
           gives
           over
           in
           part
           ,
           or
           in
           whole
           ,
           as
           wearied
           by
           the
           Aversation
           of
           sin
           unto
           it
           ,
           or
           to
           communion
           with
           God
           in
           it
           .
           This
           argues
           the
           souls
           giving
           up
           of
           it self
           unto
           the
           power
           of
           sin
           ,
           which
           unless
           the
           Lord
           break
           the
           snare
           of
           Satan
           therein
           ,
           will
           assuredly
           prove
           ruinous
           .
           Our
           Saviours
           instruction
           is
           ,
           that
           we
           ought
           
             alwayes
             to
             pray
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             faint
             ,
             Luke
          
           18.
           1.
           
           Opposition
           will
           arise
           ,
           none
           so
           bitter
           and
           keen
           as
           that
           from
           our
           own
           hearts
           ;
           if
           we
           faint
           we
           perish
           .
           
             Take
             heed
             lest
             you
             be
             wearied
             ,
          
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             and
             faint
             in
             your
             minds
             ,
             Heb.
          
           12.
           3.
           
           Such
           a
           fainting
           as
           is
           attended
           with
           a
           weariness
           and
           that
           with
           a
           giving
           place
           to
           the
           Aversation
           working
           in
           our
           hearts
           ,
           is
           to
           be
           avoided
           ,
           if
           we
           would
           not
           perish
           .
           The
           caution
           is
           the
           same
           with
           that
           of
           the
           same
           Apostle
           ,
           Rom.
           12.
           12.
           
           
             Rejoycing
             in
             hope
             ,
             patient
             in
             tribulation
             ,
             continuing
             instant
             in
             prayer
             .
          
           And
           in
           general
           with
           that
           of
           Chap.
           6.
           12.
           
           
             Let
             not
             sin
             therefore
             reign
             in
             your
             mortal
             body
             ,
             that
             ye
             should
             obey
             it
             in
             the
             lust
             thereof
             .
          
           To
           cease
           from
           duty
           ,
           in
           part
           ,
           or
           in
           whole
           ,
           upon
           the
           Aversation
           of
           sin
           unto
           its
           spirituality
           ,
           is
           to
           give
           sin
           the
           Rule
           ,
           and
           to
           obey
           it
           in
           the
           lust
           thereof
           .
           Yield
           not
           then
           unto
           it
           ,
           but
           hold
           out
           the
           conflict
           ;
           wait
           on
           God
           and
           ye
           shall
           prevail
           ,
           Isa.
           40.
           31.
           
           
             They
             that
             wait
             upon
             the
             Lord
             shall
             renew
             their
             strength
             ,
             they
             shall
             mount
             up
             with
             wings
             as
             Eagles
             ,
             they
             shall
             run
             and
             not
             be
             weary
             ,
             
             and
             they
             shall
             walk
             and
             not
             faint
             .
          
           But
           that
           which
           is
           now
           so
           difficult
           ,
           will
           increase
           in
           difficulty
           if
           we
           give
           way
           unto
           it
           .
           But
           if
           we
           abide
           in
           our
           station
           ,
           we
           shall
           prevail
           ,
           the
           mouth
           of
           the
           Lord
           hath
           spoken
           it
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           Carry
           about
           a
           constant
           
             humbling
             sense
          
           of
           this
           close
           aversation
           unto
           spiritualness
           that
           yet
           lyes
           in
           our
           nature
           .
           If
           men
           find
           the
           efficacy
           of
           it
           ,
           what
           should
           ,
           what
           consideration
           can
           be
           more
           powerful
           to
           bring
           them
           unto
           humble
           walking
           with
           God.
           That
           after
           all
           the
           discoveries
           that
           God
           hath
           made
           of
           himself
           unto
           them
           ,
           all
           the
           Kindness
           they
           have
           received
           from
           him
           ,
           his
           doing
           of
           them
           good
           and
           not
           evil
           in
           all
           things
           ,
           there
           should
           yet
           be
           such
           an
           heart
           of
           unkindness
           and
           unbelief
           ,
           still
           abiding
           ,
           as
           to
           have
           an
           Aversation
           lying
           in
           it
           to
           Communion
           with
           Him
           :
           How
           ought
           the
           thoughts
           of
           it
           to
           cast
           us
           into
           the
           dust
           ,
           to
           fill
           us
           with
           shame
           and
           self-abhorrency
           all
           our
           days
           ?
           What
           have
           we
           found
           in
           God
           in
           any
           of
           our
           approaches
           or
           addresses
           unto
           him
           ,
           that
           it
           should
           be
           thus
           with
           us
           ?
           What
           iniquity
           have
           we
           found
           in
           him
           ?
           
             Hath
             he
             been
             a
             Wilderness
             unto
             us
             ,
             or
             a
             Land
             of
             Darkness
             ?
          
           Did
           we
           ever
           lose
           any
           thing
           by
           drawing
           nigh
           unto
           him
           ?
           Nay
           ,
           hath
           not
           therein
           lyen
           all
           the
           rest
           and
           peace
           which
           we
           have
           obtained
           ?
           Is
           not
           he
           the
           Fountain
           and
           Spring
           of
           all
           our
           mercies
           ,
           of
           all
           our
           desirable
           things
           ?
           Hath
           he
           not
           bid
           us
           welcome
           at
           our
           coming
           ?
           Have
           we
           not
           received
           from
           him
           more
           than
           heart
           can
           conceive
           ,
           or
           tongue
           express
           ?
           What
           ails
           then
           our
           foolish
           and
           wretched
           hearts
           ,
           to
           harbour
           such
           a
           cursed
           secret
           dislike
           of
           him
           and
           his
           ways
           ?
           Let
           us
           be
           ashamed
           and
           astonished
           at
           the
           consideration
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           walk
           in
           
           ●n
           humbling
           sense
           of
           it
           all
           our
           dayes
           .
           Let
           us
           carry
           it
           about
           with
           us
           in
           the
           most
           secret
           of
           our
           thoughts
           .
           And
           as
           this
           is
           a
           Duty
           in
           it self
           acceptable
           unto
           God
           ,
           who
           delights
           to
           dwell
           with
           them
           that
           are
           of
           an
           
             humble
             and
             contrite
             spirit
          
           ;
           so
           it
           is
           of
           exceeding
           efficacy
           to
           the
           weakening
           of
           the
           evil
           we
           ●reat
           of
           .
        
         
           Fifthly
           ,
           Labour
           to
           possess
           the
           mind
           with
           the
           beauty
           and
           excellency
           of
           spiritual
           things
           ,
           that
           so
           they
           may
           be
           presented
           lovely
           and
           desirable
           to
           the
           ●oul
           ,
           and
           this
           cursed
           aversation
           of
           sin
           will
           be
           weakned
           thereby
           .
           It
           is
           an
           innate
           acknowledged
           principle
           ,
           that
           the
           soul
           of
           man
           will
           not
           keep
           up
           chearfully
           unto
           the
           
             Worship
             of
             God
          
           ,
           unless
           it
           have
           a
           discovery
           of
           a
           beauty
           and
           comeliness
           in
           it
           .
           Hence
           when
           men
           had
           lost
           all
           spiritual
           sense
           and
           savour
           of
           the
           things
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           supply
           the
           want
           that
           was
           in
           their
           own
           souls
           ,
           they
           invented
           outwardly
           pom●ous
           and
           gorgeous
           wayes
           of
           worship
           ,
           in
           
             Images
             ,
             Paintings
             ,
             Pictures
          
           ,
           and
           I
           know
           not
           what
           carnal
           ornaments
           which
           they
           have
           called
           the
           
             beauties
             of
             holiness
          
           .
           Thus
           much
           however
           was
           discovered
           therein
           ,
           that
           the
           mind
           of
           man
           must
           see
           a
           beauty
           ,
           a
           desirableness
           in
           the
           things
           of
           Gods
           Worship
           ,
           or
           it
           will
           not
           delight
           in
           it
           ,
           aversation
           will
           prevail
           .
           Let
           then
           the
           soul
           labour
           to
           acquaint
           it self
           with
           the
           
             spiritual
             beauty
          
           of
           obedience
           ,
           of
           Communion
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           all
           Duties
           of
           immediate
           approach
           to
           him
           ,
           that
           〈◊〉
           may
           be
           filled
           with
           delight
           in
           them
           .
           It
           is
           not
           my
           present
           work
           to
           discover
           the
           heads
           and
           springs
           of
           that
           beauty
           and
           desirableness
           which
           is
           in
           spiritual
           duties
           ,
           in
           their
           relation
           to
           God
           ,
           the
           eternal
           spring
           ●f
           all
           beauty
           ,
           to
           Christ
           ,
           the
           Love
           ,
           desire
           ,
           and
           hope
           
           of
           all
           Nations
           ,
           to
           the
           Spirit
           the
           great
           Beautifier
           of
           souls
           ,
           rendering
           them
           by
           his
           grace
           all
           glorious
           within
           ,
           in
           their
           suitableness
           to
           the
           souls
           of
           Men
           ,
           as
           to
           their
           actings
           towards
           their
           last
           end
           ,
           in
           the
           rectitude
           and
           holiness
           of
           the
           Rule
           in
           attendance
           whereunto
           they
           are
           to
           be
           performed
           ;
           But
           I
           only
           say
           at
           present
           in
           general
           ,
           that
           to
           acquaint
           the
           soul
           throughly
           with
           these
           things
           is
           an
           eminent
           way
           of
           weakening
           the
           Aversation
           spoken
           of
           .
        
      
       
         
           CHAP.
           VI.
           
        
         
           
             The
             Work
             of
             this
             Enmity
             against
             God
             ,
             by
             way
             of
             Opposition
             .
             First
             ,
             It
             lusteth
             .
             Wherein
             the
             lusting
             of
             Sin
             consisteth
             .
             It
             surprizing
             of
             the
             soul.
             Readiness
             to
             close
             with
             Temptations
             .
             It
             s
             fighting
             and
             warring
             .
             (
             1.
             )
             In
             Rebellion
             against
             the
             Law
             of
             Grace
             .
             (
             2.
             )
             In
             Assaulting
             the
             soul.
             
          
        
         
           HOw
           this
           enmity
           worketh
           by
           way
           of
           Aversation
           hath
           been
           declared
           ,
           as
           also
           the
           means
           that
           the
           soul
           is
           to
           use
           for
           the
           preventing
           of
           its
           effects
           and
           prevalency
           .
           The
           second
           way
           whereby
           it
           exerts
           its
           self
           is
           Opposition
           .
           Enmity
           will
           oppose
           and
           contend
           with
           that
           wherewith
           it
           is
           at
           enmity
           .
           It
           is
           so
           in
           things
           natural
           and
           moral
           .
           As
           light
           and
           darkness
           ,
           heat
           and
           cold
           ,
           so
           vertue
           and
           vice
           oppose
           each
           other
           .
           So
           is
           it
           with
           sin
           and
           Grace
           ,
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           these
           are
           contrary
           one
           to
           the
           other
           ,
           Gal.
           5.
           17.
           
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           they
           are
           
             placed
             and
             
             set
             in
             mutual
             opposition
             ,
          
           and
           that
           continually
           and
           constantly
           ,
           as
           we
           shall
           see
           .
        
         
           Now
           there
           are
           two
           wayes
           whereby
           Enemies
           mannage
           an
           opposition
           .
           First
           ,
           By
           force
           :
           and
           Secondly
           ,
           by
           fraud
           and
           deceit
           .
           So
           when
           the
           Egyptians
           became
           Enemies
           to
           the
           Children
           of
           Israel
           ,
           and
           mannaged
           an
           enmity
           against
           them
           ,
           Exod.
           1.
           10.
           
           Pharaoh
           saith
           ,
           
             Let
             us
             deal
             wisely
          
           ,
           or
           rather
           cunningly
           and
           subtilly
           with
           this
           People
           ;
           for
           so
           Stephen
           with
           respect
           to
           this
           word
           ,
           expresseth
           it
           ,
           Acts
           7.
           19.
           by
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ;
           He
           used
           
             all
             manner
             of
             fraudulent
             Sophistry
          
           .
           And
           unto
           this
           deceit
           they
           added
           force
           ,
           in
           their
           grievous
           oppressions
           .
           This
           is
           the
           way
           and
           manner
           of
           things
           where
           there
           is
           a
           prevailing
           enmity
           .
           And
           both
           these
           are
           made
           use
           of
           by
           the
           
             Law
             of
             Sin
          
           in
           its
           enmity
           against
           God
           ,
           and
           our
           souls
           .
        
         
           I
           shall
           begin
           with
           the
           First
           ;
           or
           its
           actings
           
             as
             it
             were
             in
             a
             way
             of
             force
             ,
          
           in
           an
           open
           down-right
           opposition
           to
           God
           and
           his
           Law
           ,
           or
           the
           Good
           that
           a
           Believing
           soul
           would
           do
           in
           obedience
           unto
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           Law.
           And
           in
           this
           whole
           matter
           ,
           we
           must
           be
           careful
           to
           stear
           our
           course
           aright
           ,
           taking
           the
           Scripture
           for
           our
           Guide
           ,
           with
           Spiritual
           Reason
           and
           Experience
           for
           our
           Companions
           .
           For
           there
           are
           many
           Shelves
           in
           our
           course
           ,
           which
           must
           diligently
           be
           avoided
           ,
           that
           none
           who
           consider
           these
           things
           be
           troubled
           without
           cause
           ,
           or
           comforted
           without
           a
           just
           foundation
           .
        
         
           In
           this
           
             First
             way
          
           ,
           whereby
           this
           sin
           exerts
           its
           enmity
           in
           opposition
           ,
           namely
           ,
           
             as
             it
             were
             by
             force
          
           or
           strength
           ,
           there
           are
           four
           things
           expressing
           so
           many
           distinct
           degrees
           in
           its
           progress
           and
           procedure
           in
           the
           pursuit
           of
           its
           enmity
           .
        
         
         
           First
           ,
           It
           s
           general
           Inclination
           ,
           it
           
             lusteth
             ,
             Gal.
          
           5.
           17.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           s
           particular
           way
           of
           contending
           ,
           it
           
             fights
             or
             wars
             ,
             Rom.
          
           7.
           23.
           
           James
           4.
           1.
           1
           
           Pet.
           2.
           11.
           
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Its
           success
           in
           this
           contest
           ,
           
             it
             brings
             the
             soul
             into
             Captivity
             to
             the
             Law
             of
             Sin
             ,
             Rom.
          
           7.
           23.
           
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           Its
           growth
           and
           rage
           upon
           success
           ,
           it
           comes
           up
           to
           madness
           ,
           as
           an
           enraged
           Enemy
           will
           do
           ,
           Eccles.
           9.
           3.
           
           All
           which
           we
           must
           speak
           to
           in
           order
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           In
           general
           it
           is
           said
           to
           
             Lust
             ,
             Gal.
          
           5.
           17.
           
           
             The
             flesh
             lusteth
             against
             the
             Spirit
             .
          
           This
           word
           expresseth
           the
           general
           nature
           of
           that
           opposition
           which
           the
           
             Law
             of
             Sin
          
           maketh
           against
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Rule
           o●
           his
           Spirit
           or
           Grace
           in
           them
           that
           believe
           ,
           and
           therefore
           the
           least
           degree
           of
           that
           opposition
           is
           expressed
           hereby
           .
           When
           it
           doth
           any
           thing
           it
           lusteth
           .
           As
           because
           burning
           is
           the
           general
           acting
           of
           fire
           ,
           what
           ever
           it
           doth
           else
           ,
           it
           doth
           also
           burn
           .
           When
           fire
           doth
           any
           thing
           ,
           it
           burns
           :
           And
           when
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin
           doth
           any
           thing
           ,
           it
           lusts
           .
        
         
           Hence
           all
           the
           actings
           of
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin
           are
           called
           the
           
             lusts
             of
             the
             flesh
          
           ,
           Gal.
           5.
           16.
           
           
             Ye
             shall
             not
             fulfil
             the
             lusts
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
          
           Rom.
           13.
           14.
           
           
             Make
             no
             provision
             for
             the
             flesh
             to
             fulfil
             the
             lusts
             thereof
             .
          
           Nor
           are
           these
           
             lusts
             of
             the
             flesh
          
           those
           only
           whereby
           men
           act
           their
           sensuality
           in
           riot
           ,
           drunkènness
           ,
           uncleaness
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           ,
           but
           they
           comprehend
           all
           the
           actings
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin
           whatever
           in
           all
           the
           faculties
           and
           Affections
           of
           the
           soul.
           Thus
           Ephes.
           2.
           3.
           
           We
           have
           mention
           of
           the
           desires
           ,
           or
           wills
           ,
           or
           lusts
           of
           the
           mind
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           of
           the
           flesh
           .
           The
           mind
           the
           most
           spiritual
           part
           o●
           the
           soul
           hath
           its
           lusts
           ,
           no
           less
           than
           the
           
             sensual
             appetite
          
           ,
           which
           seems
           sometimes
           more
           properly
           
           to
           be
           called
           the
           flesh
           .
           And
           in
           the
           products
           of
           these
           lusts
           ,
           there
           are
           defilements
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           of
           the
           flesh
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           7.
           1.
           that
           is
           ,
           of
           the
           mind
           and
           understanding
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           of
           the
           Appetite
           and
           Affections
           ,
           and
           the
           body
           that
           attends
           their
           service
           .
           And
           in
           the
           blamelesness
           of
           all
           these
           consists
           our
           holiness
           ,
           2
           Thess.
           5.
           23.
           
           
             The
             God
             of
             peace
             ,
             sanctifie
             you
             wholly
             ,
             and
             I
             pray
             God
             your
             whole
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             soul
             ,
             and
             body
             be
             preserved
             blameless
             unto
             the
             coming
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ.
          
           Yea
           ,
           by
           the
           flesh
           in
           this
           matter
           the
           whole
           Old
           man
           ,
           or
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin
           is
           intended
           ,
           John
           3.
           6.
           
           
             That
             which
             is
             born
             of
             the
             flesh
             is
             flesh
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           it
           is
           all
           so
           ,
           and
           nothing
           else
           .
           And
           what
           ever
           remains
           of
           the
           old
           nature
           in
           the
           
             new
             man
          
           is
           flesh
           still
           .
           And
           
             this
             flesh
             lusteth
          
           ;
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin
           doth
           so
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           general
           bottom
           and
           foundation
           of
           all
           its
           opposition
           unto
           God.
           And
           this
           〈◊〉
           doth
           two
           wayes
           .
        
         
           First
           ▪
           In
           an
           hidden
           close
           propensity
           unto
           all
           evil
           .
           This
           lyes
           in
           it
           habitually
           .
           Whilest
           a
           man
           is
           in
           the
           state
           of
           nature
           ,
           fully
           under
           the
           power
           and
           dominion
           of
           this
           
             Law
             of
             Sin
          
           ,
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           that
           
             every
             figment
             of
             his
             heart
             is
             evil
             ,
          
           and
           that
           continually
           ,
           Gen.
           6.
           5.
           
           It
           can
           frame
           ,
           fashion
           ,
           produce
           ,
           or
           act
           nothing
           but
           what
           is
           evil
           :
           because
           this
           
             habitual
             propensity
          
           unto
           evil
           ,
           that
           is
           in
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin
           ,
           is
           absolutely
           predominant
           in
           such
           a
           one
           .
           It
           is
           in
           the
           heart
           like
           poison
           that
           hath
           nothing
           to
           allay
           its
           venemous
           qualities
           ,
           and
           so
           infects
           whatever
           it
           touches
           .
           And
           where
           the
           power
           and
           dominion
           of
           it
           is
           broken
           ,
           yet
           in
           its
           own
           nature
           it
           hath
           still
           an
           
             habitual
             propensity
          
           unto
           that
           which
           is
           evil
           ,
           wherein
           its
           lusting
           doth
           consist
           .
        
         
           But
           here
           we
           must
           distinguish
           between
           the
           
             habitual
             
             frame
             of
             the
             heart
             ,
             and
             the
             natural
             propensity
             or
             habitual
             inclination
             of
             the
             Law
             of
             Sin
             in
             the
             heart
             .
          
           The
           
             habitual
             inclination
             of
             the
             heart
          
           is
           denominated
           from
           the
           principle
           that
           bears
           Chief
           or
           Soveraign
           Rule
           in
           it
           ;
           and
           therefore
           in
           Believers
           it
           is
           unto
           Good
           ,
           unto
           God
           ,
           unto
           holiness
           ,
           unto
           obedience
           .
           The
           heart
           is
           not
           habitually
           inclined
           unto
           evil
           by
           the
           remainders
           of
           Indwelling
           Sin
           ,
           but
           this
           
             Sin
             in
             the
             heart
          
           hath
           a
           constant
           
             habitual
             propensity
          
           unto
           evil
           in
           its
           self
           ,
           or
           its
           own
           nature
           .
           This
           the
           Apostle
           intends
           by
           its
           
             being
             present
             with
             us
          
           ;
           it
           is
           present
           with
           me
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           alwayes
           ,
           and
           for
           its
           own
           end
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           lust
           unto
           sin
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           with
           Indwelling-Sin
           as
           with
           a
           River
           ;
           whilest
           the
           Springs
           and
           Fountains
           of
           it
           are
           open
           ,
           and
           waters
           are
           continually
           supplyed
           unto
           its
           streams
           ,
           set
           a
           damm
           before
           it
           ,
           and
           it
           causeth
           it
           to
           rise
           and
           swell
           ,
           untill
           it
           bear
           down
           all
           ,
           or
           overflow
           the
           banks
           about
           it
           .
           Let
           these
           waters
           b●
           abated
           ,
           dryed
           up
           in
           some
           good
           measure
           ,
           in
           the
           springs
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           the
           remainder
           may
           be
           coerced
           and
           restrained
           .
           But
           still
           as
           long
           as
           there
           is
           any
           
             running
             water
          
           it
           will
           constantly
           press
           upon
           what
           stands
           before
           it
           ,
           according
           to
           its
           weight
           and
           strength
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           its
           nature
           so
           to
           do
           .
           And
           if
           by
           any
           means
           it
           make
           a
           passage
           ,
           it
           will
           proceed
           .
           So
           is
           it
           with
           Indwelling-Sin
           :
           whilest
           the
           springs
           and
           fountains
           of
           it
           are
           open
           ,
           in
           vain
           is
           it
           for
           men
           to
           set
           a
           damm
           before
           it
           by
           their
           convictions
           ,
           resolutions
           ,
           vowes
           and
           promises
           .
           They
           may
           check
           it
           for
           a
           while
           ,
           but
           it
           will
           increase
           ,
           rise
           high
           ,
           and
           rage
           at
           one
           time
           or
           another
           ,
           until
           it
           bears
           down
           all
           those
           convictions
           and
           resolutions
           ,
           or
           makes
           it self
           an
           underground-passage
           
           by
           some
           secret
           lust
           that
           shall
           give
           a
           full
           vent
           unto
           it
           .
           But
           now
           suppose
           that
           the
           springs
           of
           it
           are
           much
           dryed
           up
           by
           Regenerating
           Grace
           ,
           the
           streams
           or
           actings
           of
           it
           abated
           by
           Holiness
           ,
           yet
           whilest
           any
           thing
           remains
           of
           it
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           pressing
           constantly
           to
           have
           vent
           ,
           to
           press
           forward
           into
           actual
           sin
           .
           And
           this
           is
           its
           lusting
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           
             habitual
             propensity
          
           in
           it
           is
           discovered
           two
           wayes
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           In
           its
           
             unexpected
             surprizals
          
           of
           the
           soul
           into
           foolish
           sinful
           figments
           and
           imaginations
           which
           it
           looked
           not
           for
           ,
           nor
           was
           any
           occasion
           administred
           unto
           them
           .
           It
           is
           with
           Indwelling-Sin
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           with
           the
           contrary
           principle
           of
           sanctifying
           Grace
           .
           This
           gives
           the
           soul
           ,
           if
           I
           may
           so
           say
           ,
           many
           a
           
             blessed
             surprizal
          
           .
           It
           oftentimes
           ingenerates
           and
           brings
           forth
           an
           holy
           spiritual
           frame
           in
           the
           heart
           and
           mind
           ,
           when
           we
           have
           had
           no
           previous
           rational
           considerations
           to
           work
           them
           thereunto
           .
           And
           this
           manifests
           it
           to
           be
           an
           
             habitual
             principle
          
           prevailing
           in
           the
           mind
           :
           So
           Cant.
           6.
           12.
           
           
             Or
             ever
             I
             was
             aware
             my
             soul
             made
             me
             as
             the
             Chariots
             of
             Aminadab
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           free
           ,
           willing
           and
           ready
           for
           communion
           with
           Christ.
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           
             I
             knew
             not
          
           ;
           it
           was
           done
           by
           the
           power
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Grace
           ,
           so
           that
           I
           took
           no
           notice
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           until
           it
           was
           done
           .
           The
           frequent
           actings
           of
           Grace
           in
           this
           manner
           ,
           exciting
           acts
           of
           faith
           ,
           love
           and
           complacency
           in
           God
           ,
           are
           Evidences
           of
           much
           strength
           and
           prevalency
           of●
           in
           the
           soul.
           And
           thus
           also
           is
           it
           with
           Indwelling-Sin
           ;
           ere
           the
           
             soul
             is
             aware
          
           ,
           without
           any
           provocation
           or
           temptation
           ,
           when
           it
           knows
           not
           ,
           it
           is
           cast
           into
           a
           vain
           and
           ●oolish
           frame
           .
           S●n
           produceth
           its
           
           figments
           secretly
           in
           the
           heart
           ,
           and
           prevents
           the
           minds
           consideration
           of
           what
           it
           is
           about
           .
           I
           mean
           hereby
           those
           
             Actus
             primo
             primi
          
           ,
           first
           acts
           of
           the
           soul
           ,
           which
           are
           thus
           far
           involuntary
           ,
           as
           that
           they
           have
           not
           the
           
             actual
             consent
          
           of
           the
           Will
           unto
           them
           ;
           but
           are
           voluntary
           as
           far
           as
           sin
           hath
           its
           residence
           in
           the
           Will.
           And
           these
           surprizals
           ,
           if
           the
           soul
           be
           not
           awake
           to
           take
           speedy
           care
           for
           the
           prevention
           of
           their
           tendency
           ,
           do
           oftentimes
           set
           all
           as
           it
           were
           on
           fire
           ,
           and
           engage
           the
           mind
           and
           affections
           into
           actual
           sin
           .
           For
           as
           by
           Grace
           we
           are
           oftentimes
           ere
           we
           are
           aware
           made
           as
           the
           
             Chariots
             of
             a
             willing
             people
          
           ,
           and
           are
           far
           engaged
           in
           heavenly-mindedness
           and
           communion
           with
           Christ
           ,
           making
           speed
           in
           it
           as
           in
           a
           Chariot
           ;
           so
           by
           sin
           are
           we
           oftentimes
           ,
           ere
           we
           are
           aware
           ,
           carried
           into
           distempered
           affections
           ,
           foolish
           imaginations
           ,
           and
           pleasing
           delightfulness
           in
           things
           that
           are
           not
           good
           nor
           profitable
           .
           Hence
           is
           that
           caution
           of
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           Gal.
           6.
           1.
           
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           If
           a
           man
           be
           surprized
           at
           unawares
           with
           a
           fault
           or
           in
           a
           transgression
           .
           I
           doubt
           not
           but
           the
           subtilty
           of
           Satan
           ,
           and
           the
           power
           of
           temptation
           ,
           are
           there
           taken
           into
           consideration
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           which
           causeth
           him
           to
           express
           a
           mans
           falling
           into
           sin
           ,
           by
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           if
           
             he
             be
             surprized
          
           ;
           So
           this
           working
           of
           Indwelling-Sin
           also
           hath
           its
           consideration
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           that
           in
           the
           
             chiefest
             place
          
           without
           which
           nothing
           else
           could
           surprize
           us
           .
           For
           without
           the
           help
           thereof
           ,
           what●ver
           comes
           from
           without
           ,
           from
           Satan
           ,
           or
           the
           world
           ,
           must
           admit
           of
           some
           parley
           in
           the
           mind
           before
           it
           be
           received
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           from
           within
           ,
           from
           our selves
           that
           we
           are
           surprized
           .
           Hereby
           are
           we
           disappointed
           and
           wrought
           over
           to
           do
           that
           which
           we
           
           would
           not
           ,
           and
           hindered
           from
           the
           doing
           of
           that
           which
           we
           would
           .
        
         
           Hence
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           when
           the
           soul
           is
           oftentimes
           doing
           as
           it
           were
           quite
           another
           thing
           ,
           engaged
           quite
           upon
           another
           design
           ,
           sin
           starts
           that
           in
           the
           heart
           or
           imaginations
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           carryes
           it
           away
           into
           that
           which
           is
           evil
           and
           sinful
           .
           Yea
           ,
           to
           manifest
           its
           power
           ,
           sometimes
           when
           the
           soul
           is
           seriously
           engaged
           in
           the
           mortification
           of
           any
           sin
           ,
           it
           will
           by
           one
           means
           or
           other
           lead
           it
           away
           into
           a
           dalliance
           with
           that
           very
           sin
           whose
           ruine
           it
           is
           seeking
           ,
           and
           whose
           mortification
           it
           is
           engaged
           in
           .
           But
           as
           there
           is
           in
           this
           operation
           of
           the
           
             Law
             of
             Sin
          
           ,
           a
           special
           enticing
           or
           entangling
           ,
           we
           shall
           speak
           unto
           it
           fully
           afterwards
           .
           Now
           these
           surprizals
           can
           be
           from
           nothing
           but
           an
           
             habitual
             propensity
          
           unto
           evil
           in
           the
           principle
           from
           whence
           they
           proceed
           .
           Not
           an
           habitual
           inclination
           unto
           actual
           sin
           in
           the
           mind
           or
           heart
           ,
           but
           an
           habitual
           propensity
           unto
           evil
           in
           the
           sin
           that
           is
           in
           the
           mind
           or
           heart
           .
           This
           prevents
           the
           soul
           with
           its
           figments
           .
           How
           much
           communion
           with
           God
           is
           hereby
           prevented
           ,
           how
           many
           Meditations
           are
           disturbed
           ,
           how
           much
           the
           minds
           and
           Consciences
           of
           Men
           have
           been
           defiled
           by
           this
           acting
           of
           sin
           ,
           some
           may
           have
           observed
           .
           I
           know
           no
           greater
           burthen
           in
           the
           life
           of
           a
           Believer
           than
           these
           
             involuntary
             surprizals
          
           of
           soul
           involuntary
           I
           say
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           actual
           consent
           of
           the
           Will
           ,
           but
           not
           so
           in
           respect
           of
           that
           corruption
           which
           is
           in
           the
           Will
           ,
           and
           is
           the
           Principle
           of
           them
           .
           And
           it
           is
           in
           respect
           unto
           these
           ,
           that
           the
           Apostle
           makes
           his
           complaint
           ,
           Rom.
           7.
           24.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           This
           
             habitual
             inclination
          
           manifests
           it
           
           self
           in
           its
           
             readiness
             and
             promptness
          
           ,
           without
           dispute
           or
           altercation
           to
           joyn
           and
           close
           with
           every
           temptation
           ,
           whereby
           it
           may
           possibly
           be
           excited
           .
           As
           we
           know
           it
           is
           in
           the
           nature
           of
           fire
           to
           burn
           ,
           because
           it
           immediately
           lays
           hold
           on
           whatever
           is
           combustible
           .
           Let
           any
           temptation
           whatever
           be
           proposed
           unto
           a
           man
           ,
           the
           suitableness
           of
           whose
           matter
           unto
           his
           corruptions
           ,
           or
           manner
           of
           its
           proposal
           ,
           makes
           it
           a
           temptation
           ;
           immediately
           he
           hath
           not
           only
           to
           do
           with
           the
           temptation
           as
           outwardly
           proposed
           ,
           but
           also
           with
           his
           own
           heart
           about
           it
           .
           Without
           farther
           consideration
           or
           debate
           ,
           the
           temptation
           hath
           got
           a
           friend
           in
           him
           .
           Not
           a
           moments
           space
           is
           given
           between
           the
           proposal
           ,
           and
           the
           necessity
           there
           is
           incumbent
           on
           the
           soul
           to
           look
           to
           its
           enemy
           within
           .
           And
           this
           also
           argues
           a
           constant
           
             habitual
             propensity
          
           unto
           evil
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           said
           of
           the
           assaults
           and
           temptations
           of
           Sathan
           ,
           
             The
             Prince
             of
             this
             world
             cometh
             ,
             and
             he
             hath
             no
             part
             in
             me
             ,
             Joh.
          
           14.
           30.
           
           He
           had
           more
           temptations
           intensively
           and
           extensively
           ,
           in
           number
           ,
           quality
           and
           fierceness
           ,
           from
           Sathan
           and
           the
           world
           ,
           than
           ever
           had
           any
           of
           the
           sons
           of
           men
           :
           But
           yet
           in
           all
           of
           them
           ,
           he
           had
           to
           deal
           only
           with
           that
           which
           came
           from
           without
           .
           His
           holy
           heart
           had
           nothing
           to
           like
           them
           ,
           suited
           to
           them
           ,
           or
           ready
           to
           give
           them
           entertainment
           :
           
             The
             Prince
             of
             this
             world
             had
             nothing
             in
             him
             .
          
           So
           it
           was
           with
           Adam
           ;
           when
           a
           temptation
           be
           fell
           him
           ,
           he
           had
           only
           the
           outward
           proposal
           of
           it
           to
           look
           unto
           ,
           all
           was
           well
           within
           ,
           until
           the
           outward
           temptation
           took
           place
           and
           prevailed
           .
           With
           us
           it
           is
           not
           so
           .
        
         
           In
           a
           City
           that
           is
           at
           unity
           in
           it self
           ,
           compact
           and
           entire
           ,
           without
           divisions
           and
           parties
           ,
           if
           an
           enemy
           
           approach
           about
           it
           ,
           the
           Rulers
           and
           Inhabitants
           have
           no
           thoughts
           at
           all
           but
           only
           how
           they
           may
           oppose
           the
           enemy
           without
           ,
           and
           resist
           him
           in
           his
           approaches
           .
           But
           if
           the
           City
           be
           divided
           in
           it self
           ,
           if
           there
           be
           factions
           and
           Traitors
           within
           ,
           the
           very
           first
           thing
           they
           do
           ,
           is
           to
           look
           to
           the
           enemies
           at
           home
           ,
           the
           Traitors
           within
           ;
           to
           cut
           off
           the
           head
           of
           Sheba
           ,
           if
           they
           will
           be
           safe
           .
           All
           was
           well
           with
           Adam
           within
           doors
           ,
           when
           Satan
           came
           ,
           so
           that
           he
           had
           nothing
           to
           do
           but
           to
           look
           to
           his
           assaults
           and
           approaches
           .
           But
           now
           on
           the
           access
           of
           any
           temptation
           ,
           the
           soul
           is
           instantly
           to
           look
           in
           ,
           where
           it
           shall
           find
           this
           Traitor
           at
           work
           ,
           closing
           with
           the
           baits
           of
           Sathan
           ,
           and
           stealing
           away
           the
           heart
           .
           And
           this
           it
           doth
           always
           ,
           which
           evinceth
           an
           
             habitual
             inclination
             .
             Psal.
          
           38.
           17.
           saith
           David
           ,
           I
           am
           ready
           to
           halt
           ,
           or
           
             for
             halting
          
           ;
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             I
             am
             prepared
          
           and
           disposed
           unto
           hallucination
           ,
           to
           the
           slipping
           of
           my
           foot
           into
           sin
           ,
           verse
           16.
           as
           he
           expounds
           the
           meaning
           of
           that
           phrase
           ,
           Psal.
           73.
           2
           ,
           3.
           
           There
           was
           from
           Indwelling-sin
           a
           continual
           disposition
           in
           him
           to
           be
           slipping
           ,
           stumbling
           ,
           halting
           on
           every
           occasion
           or
           temptation
           .
           There
           is
           nothing
           so
           vain
           ,
           foolish
           ,
           ridiculous
           ,
           fond
           ,
           nothing
           so
           vile
           and
           abominable
           ,
           nothing
           so
           atheistical
           or
           execrable
           ,
           but
           if
           it
           be
           proposed
           unto
           the
           soul
           in
           a
           way
           of
           temptation
           ,
           there
           is
           that
           in
           this
           
             Law
             of
             sin
          
           which
           is
           ready
           to
           answer
           it
           ,
           before
           it
           be
           decried
           by
           grace
           .
           And
           this
           is
           the
           first
           thing
           in
           this
           lusting
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           ,
           it
           consists
           in
           its
           
             habitual
             propensity
          
           unto
           evil
           ,
           manifesting
           it self
           by
           the
           
             involuntary
             surprisals
          
           of
           the
           soul
           unto
           sin
           ,
           and
           its
           readiness
           without
           dispute
           or
           consideration
           to
           joyn
           with
           all
           temptations
           whatsoever
           .
        
         
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Its
           lusting
           consists
           in
           its
           actual
           pressing
           after
           that
           which
           is
           evil
           ,
           and
           actual
           opposition
           unto
           that
           which
           is
           good
           .
           The
           former
           instances
           shewed
           its
           constant
           readiness
           to
           this
           work
           ,
           this
           now
           treats
           of
           the
           work
           it self
           .
           It
           is
           not
           only
           ready
           ,
           but
           for
           the
           most
           part
           always
           engaged
           .
           It
           lusteth
           faith
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           ,
           it
           doth
           so
           continually
           .
           It
           stirreth
           in
           the
           soul
           by
           one
           act
           or
           other
           constantly
           ,
           almost
           as
           the
           spirits
           in
           the
           blood
           ,
           or
           the
           blood
           in
           the
           veins
           .
           This
           the
           Apostle
           calls
           its
           tempting
           ,
           Jam.
           1.
           14.
           
           
             Every
             man
             is
             tempted
             of
             his
             own
             lust
             .
          
           Now
           what
           is
           it
           to
           be
           tempted
           ?
           It
           is
           to
           have
           that
           proposed
           to
           a
           mans
           consideration
           ,
           which
           if
           he
           close
           withall
           ,
           it
           is
           evil
           ,
           it
           is
           sin
           unto
           him
           .
           This
           is
           sins
           trade
           ;
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             it
             lusteth
          
           .
           It
           is
           raising
           up
           in
           the
           heart
           ,
           and
           proposing
           unto
           the
           mind
           and
           affections
           ,
           that
           which
           is
           evil
           ,
           trying
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           whether
           the
           soul
           will
           close
           with
           its
           suggestions
           ,
           or
           how
           far
           it
           can
           carry
           them
           on
           ,
           though
           it
           do
           not
           wholly
           prevail
           .
           Now
           when
           such
           a
           temptation
           comes
           from
           without
           ,
           it
           is
           unto
           the
           soul
           an
           indifferent
           thing
           ,
           neither
           good
           nor
           evil
           unless
           it
           be
           consented
           unto
           .
           But
           the
           very
           proposal
           from
           within
           ,
           it
           being
           the
           souls
           own
           act
           ,
           is
           its
           sin
           .
           And
           this
           is
           the
           work
           of
           the
           
             Law
             of
             sin
          
           ;
           it
           is
           restlesly
           and
           continually
           raising
           up
           ,
           and
           proposing
           innumerable
           various
           forms
           and
           appearances
           of
           evil
           ,
           in
           this
           or
           that
           kind
           ,
           indeed
           in
           every
           kind
           ,
           that
           the
           nature
           of
           man
           is
           capable
           to
           exercise
           corruption
           in
           .
           Something
           or
           other
           ,
           in
           matter
           ,
           or
           manner
           ,
           or
           circumstance
           ,
           inordinate
           ,
           unspiritual
           ,
           unanswerable
           unto
           the
           Rule
           ,
           it
           ha●cheth
           and
           proposeth
           unto
           the
           soul.
           And
           this
           power
           of
           sin
           to
           beget
           figments
           and
           idea's
           of
           actual
           evil
           in
           
           the
           heart
           the
           Apostle
           may
           have
           respect
           unto
           ,
           1
           Thess.
           ●
           .
           22.
           
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           Keep
           your selves
           from
           every
           evil
           figment
           or
           idea
           of
           sin
           in
           the
           heart
           ;
           for
           the
           word
           there
           used
           doth
           not
           any
           where
           signifie
           an
           
             outward
             form
             or
             appearance
          
           ;
           neither
           is
           it
           the
           appearance
           of
           evil
           ,
           but
           an
           
             evil
             idea
          
           or
           figment
           that
           is
           intended
           .
           And
           this
           
             lusting
             of
             sin
          
           is
           that
           which
           the
           Prophet
           expresseth
           in
           wicked
           men
           ,
           in
           whom
           the
           Law
           of
           it
           is
           predominant
           ,
           Isa.
           57.
           20.
           
           
             The
             wicked
             are
             like
             the
             troubled
             sea
             ,
             when
             it
             cannot
             rest
             ,
             whose
             waters
             cast
             up
             mire
             and
             dirt
             .
          
           A
           similitude
           most
           lively
           expressing
           the
           lustings
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           ,
           restlesly
           and
           continually
           bubling
           up
           in
           the
           heart
           ,
           with
           wicked
           ,
           foolish
           and
           filthy
           imaginations
           and
           desires
           .
           This
           then
           is
           the
           first
           thing
           in
           the
           opposition
           that
           this
           enmity
           makes
           to
           God
           ,
           namely
           in
           its
           general
           inclination
           ,
           it
           lusteth
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           There
           is
           its
           particular
           way
           of
           contending
           ,
           it
           fights
           or
           wars
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           it
           acts
           with
           strength
           and
           violence
           ,
           as
           men
           do
           in
           war.
           First
           ,
           it
           lusts
           stirring
           and
           moving
           inordinate
           figments
           in
           the
           Mind
           ,
           desires
           in
           the
           appetite
           and
           the
           Affections
           ,
           proposing
           them
           to
           the
           W●ll
           .
           But
           it
           rests
           not
           there
           ,
           it
           cannot
           rest
           :
           it
           urgeth
           ,
           presseth
           and
           pursueth
           its
           proposals
           with
           earnestness
           ,
           strength
           and
           vigour
           ,
           fighting
           ,
           and
           contending
           ,
           and
           warring
           to
           obtain
           its
           end
           and
           purpose
           .
           Would
           it
           meerly
           
             s●●r
             up
          
           and
           propose
           things
           to
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           immediately
           acquiesce
           in
           the
           sentence
           and
           judgment
           of
           the
           mind
           that
           the
           thing
           is
           evil
           ,
           against
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           will
           ,
           and
           not
           farther
           to
           be
           insisted
           on
           ,
           much
           sin
           might
           be
           prevented
           that
           is
           now
           produced
           .
           But
           it
           rests
           
           not
           here
           ,
           it
           proceeds
           to
           carry
           on
           its
           design
           ,
           and
           that
           with
           earnestness
           and
           contention
           .
           By
           this
           means
           ,
           wicked
           men
           
             inflame
             themselves
             ,
             Isa.
          
           57.
           5.
           
           They
           are
           self-inflamers
           ,
           as
           the
           word
           signifies
           ,
           unto
           sin
           ,
           every
           spark
           of
           sin
           is
           cherished
           in
           them
           until
           it
           grows
           into
           a
           flame
           ,
           and
           so
           it
           will
           do
           in
           others
           where
           it
           is
           so
           cherished
           .
        
         
           Now
           this
           fighting
           or
           warring
           of
           sin
           consists
           in
           two
           things
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           In
           its
           rebellion
           against
           grace
           ,
           or
           the
           Law
           of
           the
           mind
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           In
           its
           assaulting
           the
           soul
           ,
           contending
           for
           Rule
           and
           Sovereignty
           over
           it
           .
        
         
           The
           first
           is
           expressed
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           Rom.
           7.
           23.
           
           
             I
             find
          
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             another
             Law
          
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             rebelling
             against
             the
             Law
             of
             my
             mind
             .
          
           There
           are
           ,
           it
           seems
           ,
           
             two
             Laws
          
           in
           us
           ,
           the
           Law
           of
           the
           flesh
           ,
           or
           of
           sin
           ;
           and
           the
           Law
           of
           the
           mind
           ,
           or
           of
           grace
           .
           But
           contrary
           Laws
           cannot
           both
           obtain
           Sovereign
           power
           over
           the
           same
           person
           ,
           at
           the
           same
           time
           .
           The
           sovereign
           power
           in
           Believers
           ,
           is
           in
           the
           hand
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           grace
           ;
           so
           the
           Apostle
           declares
           ,
           verse
           22.
           
           
             I
             delight
             in
             the
             Law
             of
             God
             in
             the
             inward
             man.
          
           Obedience
           unto
           this
           Law
           is
           performed
           with
           delight
           and
           complacency
           in
           the
           inward
           man
           ,
           because
           its
           authority
           is
           lawful
           and
           good
           .
           So
           more
           expresly
           ▪
           chap.
           6.
           14.
           
           
             For
             sin
             shall
             not
             have
             dominion
             over
             you
             ,
             for
             ye
             are
             not
             under
             the
             Law
             but
             under
             grace
             .
          
           Now
           to
           war
           against
           the
           Law
           that
           hath
           a
           just
           Sovereignty
           ,
           is
           to
           rebell
           ;
           and
           so
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           signifies
           ;
           it
           is
           to
           rebell
           ,
           and
           ●ught
           to
           have
           been
           so
           translated
           ,
           
             reb●lling
             against
             the
             Law
             of
             my
             mind
             .
          
           And
           this
           rebellion
           consists
           in
           a
           stubborn
           obstina●e
           
           opposition
           unto
           the
           commands
           and
           directions
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           grace
           .
           Doth
           the
           
             Law
             of
             the
             mind
          
           command
           any
           thing
           as
           duty
           ?
           doth
           it
           severely
           rise
           up
           against
           any
           thing
           that
           is
           evil
           ?
           When
           the
           lusting
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           rises
           up
           to
           this
           degree
           ,
           it
           contends
           against
           obedience
           with
           all
           its
           might
           ,
           the
           effect
           whereof
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           is
           
             the
             doing
             of
             that
             which
             we
             would
             not
             ,
             and
             the
             not
             doing
             of
             that
             which
             we
             would
             ,
             verse
          
           15
           ,
           16.
           
           And
           we
           may
           gather
           a
           notable
           instance
           of
           the
           power
           of
           sin
           in
           this
           its
           rebellion
           from
           this
           place
           .
           The
           
             Law
             of
             grace
          
           prevails
           upon
           the
           Will
           ,
           so
           that
           it
           
             would
             do
          
           that
           which
           is
           good
           .
           
             To
             will
             is
             present
             with
             me
             ,
          
           ver
           .
           18.
           
           
             When
             I
             would
             do
             good
          
           ,
           ver
           .
           19.
           
           And
           again
           ,
           ver
           .
           21.
           
           
             And
             I
             would
             not
             do
             evil
             ,
          
           ver
           .
           19.
           20.
           
           And
           it
           prevails
           upon
           the
           understanding
           ,
           so
           that
           it
           approves
           or
           disapproves
           according
           to
           the
           dictates
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           grace
           .
           Ver.
           16.
           
           
             I
             consent
             unto
             the
             Law
             that
             it
             is
             good
          
           ;
           and
           verse
           15.
           
           The
           Judgment
           always
           lies
           on
           the
           side
           of
           grace
           .
           It
           prevails
           also
           on
           the
           affections
           ,
           ver
           .
           22.
           
           
             I
             delight
             in
             the
             Law
             of
             God
             in
             the
             inward
             man.
          
           Now
           if
           this
           be
           so
           ,
           that
           grace
           hath
           the
           Sovereign
           power
           in
           the
           Understanding
           ,
           Will
           ,
           and
           Affections
           ,
           whence
           is
           it
           that
           it
           doth
           not
           always
           prevail
           ,
           that
           we
           do
           not
           always
           do
           that
           which
           we
           would
           ,
           and
           abstain
           from
           that
           which
           we
           would
           not
           ?
           Is
           it
           not
           strange
           that
           a
           man
           should
           not
           do
           that
           which
           he
           chuseth
           ,
           willeth
           ,
           liketh
           ,
           delighteth
           in
           ?
           Is
           there
           any
           thing
           more
           required
           to
           enable
           us
           unto
           that
           which
           is
           good
           ?
           The
           Law
           of
           grace
           doth
           all
           as
           much
           as
           can
           be
           expected
           from
           it
           ,
           that
           which
           in
           it self
           is
           abundantly
           sufficient
           for
           the
           perfecting
           of
           all
           holiness
           in
           the
           fear
           of
           the
           Lord.
           But
           here
           lies
           the
           difficulty
           ,
           in
           the
           intangling
           
           opposition
           that
           is
           made
           by
           the
           rebellion
           of
           this
           Law
           of
           sin
           .
           Neither
           is
           it
           expressible
           with
           what
           vigour
           and
           variety
           sin
           acts
           it self
           in
           this
           matter
           .
           Sometimes
           it
           proposeth
           diversions
           ,
           sometimes
           it
           causeth
           weariness
           ,
           sometimes
           it
           finds
           out
           difficulties
           ,
           sometimes
           it
           stirs
           up
           contrary
           affections
           ,
           sometimes
           it
           begets
           prejudices
           ,
           and
           one
           way
           or
           other
           intangles
           the
           soul
           ,
           so
           that
           it
           never
           suffers
           grace
           to
           have
           an
           absolute
           and
           complete
           success
           in
           any
           duty
           .
           Verse
           18.
           
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           I
           find
           not
           the
           way
           
             perfectly
             to
             work
          
           out
           ,
           or
           accomplish
           that
           which
           is
           good
           ;
           so
           the
           word
           signifies
           ;
           and
           that
           from
           this
           opposition
           and
           resistance
           that
           is
           made
           by
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           .
           Now
           this
           rebellion
           appears
           in
           two
           things
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           In
           the
           opposition
           that
           it
           makes
           unto
           the
           general
           purpose
           and
           course
           of
           the
           soul.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           In
           the
           opposition
           it
           makes
           unto
           particular
           duties
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           In
           the
           opposition
           it
           makes
           to
           the
           
             general
             purpose
          
           and
           course
           of
           the
           soul.
           There
           is
           none
           in
           whom
           is
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Christ
           ,
           that
           is
           his
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           his
           general
           design
           and
           purpose
           to
           walk
           in
           an
           universal
           conformity
           unto
           him
           in
           all
           things
           .
           Even
           from
           the
           inward
           frame
           of
           the
           heart
           ,
           to
           the
           whole
           compass
           of
           his
           outward
           actions
           ,
           so
           it
           is
           with
           him
           .
           This
           God
           requires
           in
           his
           Covenant
           ,
           Gen.
           17.
           1.
           
           
             Walk
             before
             me
             ,
             and
             be
             thou
             perfect
             .
          
           Accordingly
           his
           design
           is
           to
           walk
           before
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           frame
           is
           sincerity
           and
           uprightness
           therein
           .
           This
           is
           called
           ,
           
             Cleaving
             unto
             the
             Lord
             with
             purpose
             of
             heart
             ,
             Acts.
          
           11.
           23.
           that
           is
           ,
           in
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           that
           not
           with
           a
           sloathful
           ,
           dead
           ,
           ineffectual
           purpose
           ,
           but
           such
           as
           is
           operative
           ,
           
           and
           sets
           the
           whole
           soul
           at
           work
           in
           pursuit
           of
           it
           .
           This
           the
           Apostle
           sets
           forth
           ,
           Phil.
           3.
           12
           ,
           13
           ,
           14.
           
           
             Not
             as
             though
             I
             had
             already
             attained
             ,
             either
             were
             already
             perfect
             :
             but
             I
             follow
             after
             ,
             if
             that
             I
             may
             apprehend
             that
             for
             which
             also
             I
             am
             apprehended
             of
             Christ
             Jesus
             .
             Brethren
             ,
             I
             count
             not
             my self
             to
             have
             apprehended
             ,
             but
             this
             one
             thing
             I
             do
             ,
             forgetting
             those
             things
             which
             are
             behind
             and
             reaching
             forth
             unto
             those
             things
             which
             are
             before
             ,
             I
             press
             toward
             the
             mark
             for
             the
             prize
             of
             the
             high
             calling
             of
             God
             in
             Christ
             Jesus
             .
          
           He
           useth
           three
           words
           excellently
           expressing
           the
           souls
           universal
           pursuit
           of
           this
           purpose
           of
           heart
           in
           cleaving
           unto
           God
           ,
           First
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           ver
           .
           12.
           
           
             I
             follow
             after
          
           ,
           prosecute
           ;
           the
           word
           signifies
           properly
           to
           persecute
           ,
           which
           with
           what
           earnestness
           and
           diligence
           it
           is
           usually
           done
           ,
           we
           know
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             I
             reach
             forward
          
           ,
           reaching
           with
           great
           intention
           of
           spirit
           and
           affections
           .
           It
           is
           a
           great
           and
           constant
           endeavour
           that
           is
           expressed
           in
           that
           word
           .
           Thirdly
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           say
           we
           ,
           
             I
             press
             towards
             the
             mark
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           even
           as
           men
           that
           are
           running
           for
           a
           prize
           .
           All
           set
           forth
           the
           vigour
           ,
           earnestness
           ,
           diligence
           and
           constancy
           that
           is
           used
           in
           the
           pursuit
           of
           this
           purpose
           .
           And
           this
           the
           nature
           of
           the
           principle
           of
           Grace
           requireth
           in
           them
           in
           whom
           it
           is
           .
           But
           yet
           we
           see
           with
           what
           failings
           ,
           yea
           fallings
           ,
           their
           pursuit
           of
           this
           course
           is
           attended
           .
           The
           ●rame
           of
           the
           heart
           is
           changed
           ,
           the
           heart
           is
           stollen
           away
           ,
           the
           affections
           intangled
           ,
           eruptions
           of
           unbelief
           and
           distempered
           passions
           discovered
           ,
           carnal
           wisdom
           with
           all
           his
           attendances
           are
           set
           on
           work
           ;
           all
           contrary
           to
           the
           general
           principle
           and
           purpose
           of
           the
           soul.
           And
           all
           this
           is
           from
           the
           rebellion
           of
           this
           Law
           
           of
           sin
           ,
           stirring
           up
           and
           provoking
           the
           heart
           unto
           disobedience
           ,
           The
           Prophet
           gives
           this
           character
           of
           
             hypocrites
             ,
             Hos.
          
           10.
           2.
           
           
             Their
             heart
             is
             divided
             ,
             therefore
             shall
             they
             be
             found
             faulty
             .
          
           Now
           though
           this
           be
           wholly
           so
           in
           respect
           of
           the
           mind
           and
           judgment
           in
           hypocrites
           only
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           partially
           so
           in
           the
           best
           ,
           in
           the
           sense
           described
           .
           They
           have
           a
           division
           ,
           not
           of
           the
           heart
           ,
           but
           in
           the
           heart
           ;
           and
           thence
           it
           is
           that
           they
           are
           so
           often
           found
           faulty
           .
           So
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             so
             that
             we
             cannot
             do
             the
             things
             that
             we
             would
             ,
             Gal.
          
           5.
           17.
           
           We
           cannot
           accomplish
           the
           design
           of
           close
           walking
           according
           to
           the
           Law
           of
           grace
           ,
           because
           of
           the
           contrariety
           and
           rebellion
           of
           this
           Law
           of
           sin
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           rebells
           also
           in
           respect
           unto
           particular
           duties
           .
           It
           raiseth
           a
           combustion
           in
           the
           soul
           against
           the
           particular
           commands
           and
           designings
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           grace
           :
           
             You
             cannot
             do
             the
             things
             that
             you
             would
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           duties
           which
           you
           judge
           incumbent
           on
           you
           which
           you
           approve
           and
           delight
           in
           in
           the
           inward
           man
           ,
           you
           cannot
           do
           them
           as
           you
           would
           .
           Take
           an
           instance
           in
           prayer
           .
           A
           man
           addresseth
           himself
           unto
           that
           duty
           ,
           he
           would
           not
           only
           perform
           it
           ,
           but
           he
           would
           perform
           it
           in
           that
           manner
           that
           the
           nature
           of
           the
           duty
           ,
           and
           his
           own
           condition
           do
           require
           .
           He
           would
           
             pray
             in
             the
             spirit
          
           ,
           fervently
           ,
           with
           sighs
           and
           groans
           that
           cannot
           be
           uttered
           ;
           in
           faith
           with
           love
           and
           delight
           ,
           pouring
           forth
           his
           soul
           unto
           the
           Lord
           :
           this
           he
           aims
           at
           .
           Now
           oftentimes
           he
           shall
           find
           a
           rebellion
           ,
           a
           fighting
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           in
           this
           matter
           .
           He
           shall
           find
           difficulty
           to
           get
           
             any
             thing
          
           done
           ,
           who
           thought
           to
           do
           
             all
             things
          
           .
           I
           do
           not
           say
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           thus
           always
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           so
           when
           sin
           wars
           and
           rebells
           ,
           which
           expresseth
           
           an
           especial
           acting
           of
           its
           power
           .
           Woful
           intanglements
           do
           poor
           creatures
           oftentimes
           meet
           withall
           upon
           this
           account
           .
           Instead
           of
           that
           free
           inlarged
           Communion
           with
           God
           that
           they
           aim
           at
           ,
           the
           best
           that
           their
           souls
           arrive
           unto
           ,
           is
           but
           to
           go
           away
           mourning
           for
           their
           folly
           ,
           deadness
           and
           indisposition
           .
           In
           a
           word
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           command
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           Grace
           that
           is
           known
           ,
           liked
           of
           ,
           and
           approved
           by
           the
           soul
           ,
           but
           when
           it
           comes
           to
           be
           observed
           ,
           this
           
             Law
             of
             sin
          
           one
           way
           or
           other
           makes
           head
           and
           rebels
           against
           it
           .
           And
           this
           is
           the
           first
           way
           of
           its
           fighting
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           doth
           not
           only
           rebel
           and
           resist
           ,
           but
           it
           assaults
           the
           soul
           ;
           it
           sets
           upon
           the
           Law
           of
           the
           mind
           and
           grace
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           second
           part
           of
           its
           warring
           ,
           1
           Pet.
           2.
           11.
           
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             they
             fight
          
           ,
           or
           war
           
             against
             the
             soul.
             Jam.
          
           4.
           1.
           
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             They
             fight
          
           ,
           or
           war
           
             in
             your
             members
             .
             Peter
          
           shews
           what
           they
           oppose
           and
           fight
           against
           ,
           namely
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           the
           Law
           of
           Grace
           therein
           ;
           James
           ,
           what
           they
           fight
           with
           ,
           or
           by
           ,
           namely
           the
           members
           ,
           or
           the
           corruption
           that
           is
           in
           our
           mortal
           bodies
           .
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           is
           to
           rebel
           against
           a
           superiour
           ;
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           is
           to
           assault
           or
           war
           for
           superiority
           .
           It
           takes
           the
           part
           of
           an
           Assailant
           as
           well
           as
           of
           a
           resister
           .
           It
           makes
           attempts
           for
           rule
           and
           sovereignty
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           opposeth
           the
           rule
           of
           grace
           .
           Now
           all
           war
           and
           fighting
           hath
           somewhat
           of
           violence
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           therefore
           some
           violence
           in
           that
           acting
           of
           sin
           ,
           which
           the
           Scripture
           calls
           fighting
           and
           warring
           .
           And
           this
           assailing
           efficacy
           of
           sin
           ,
           as
           distinguished
           from
           its
           rebelling
           before
           treated
           of
           ,
           consists
           in
           these
           things
           that
           ensue
           .
        
         
         
           First
           ,
           All
           its
           positive
           actings
           in
           stirring
           up
           unto
           sin
           ,
           belong
           to
           this
           head
           .
           Oftentimes
           by
           the
           vanity
           of
           the
           mind
           ,
           or
           the
           sensuality
           of
           the
           affections
           ,
           the
           folly
           of
           the
           imaginations
           ,
           it
           sets
           upon
           the
           soul
           then
           ,
           when
           the
           Law
           of
           grace
           is
           not
           actually
           putting
           it
           on
           duty
           ,
           so
           that
           therein
           it
           doth
           not
           rebel
           but
           assault
           .
           Hence
           the
           Apostle
           cries
           out
           ,
           Rom.
           7.
           24.
           
           
             Who
             shall
             deliver
             me
             from
             it
             ,
          
           who
           shall
           rescue●
           me
           out
           of
           its
           hand
           ,
           as
           the
           word
           signifies
           .
           When
           we
           pursue
           an
           enemy
           ,
           and
           he
           resists
           us
           ,
           we
           do
           not
           cry
           out
           ,
           
             Who
             shall
             deliver
             us
          
           ,
           for
           we
           are
           the
           assailants
           ;
           but
           ,
           
             Who
             shall
             rescue
             me
          
           ,
           is
           the
           cry
           of
           one●
           who
           is
           set
           upon
           by
           an
           enemy
           .
           So
           it
           is
           here
           ,
           a
           man
           is
           assaulted
           by
           his
           own
           lusts
           ,
           as
           James
           speaks
           .
           By
           the
           way
           side
           ,
           in
           his
           employment
           ,
           under
           a
           duty
           ,
           sin
           sets
           upon
           the
           soul
           with
           vain
           imaginations
           ,
           foolish
           desires
           ,
           and
           would
           willingly
           employ
           the
           soul
           to
           make
           provision
           for
           its
           satisfaction
           ;
           which
           the
           Apostle
           cautions
           us
           against
           ,
           Rom.
           13.
           14.
           
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           Do
           not
           accomplish
           the
           providence
           or
           projection
           of
           the
           flesh
           ,
           for
           its
           own
           satisfaction
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Its
           importunity
           and
           urgency
           seems
           to
           be
           noted
           in
           this
           expression
           of
           its
           warring
           .
           Enemies●
           in
           war
           are
           restless
           ,
           pressing
           and
           importunate
           .
           So
           is
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           .
           Doth
           it
           set
           upon
           the
           soul
           ?
           cast
           off
           its
           motions
           ,
           it
           returns
           again
           ;
           rebuke
           them
           by
           the
           power
           of
           grace
           ,
           they
           withdraw
           for
           a
           while
           ,
           and
           return
           again
           .
           Set
           before
           them
           the
           Cross
           of
           Christ
           ,
           they
           do
           as
           those
           that
           came
           to
           take
           him
           ,
           at
           sight
           of
           him
           they
           went
           backwards
           ,
           and
           fell
           unto
           the
           ground
           ,
           but
           they
           arose
           again
           and
           laid
           hands
           on
           him
           .
           Sin
           gives
           places
           for
           a
           season
           ,
           but
           returns
           and
           
           presseth
           on
           the
           soul
           again
           .
           Mind
           it
           of
           the
           love
           of
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           stricken
           ,
           yet
           it
           gives
           not
           over
           .
           Present
           Hell-fire
           unto
           it
           ,
           it
           rusheth
           into
           the
           midst
           of
           those
           flames
           .
           Reproach
           it
           with
           its
           ●olly
           and
           madness
           ,
           it
           knows
           no
           shame
           ,
           but
           presseth
           on
           still
           .
           Let
           the
           thoughts
           of
           the
           mind
           strive
           to
           flie
           from
           it
           ,
           it
           follows
           as
           on
           the
           wings
           of
           the
           wind
           .
           And
           by
           this
           importunity
           it
           wearies
           and
           warrs
           out
           ●he
           soul
           ,
           and
           if
           the
           great
           remedy
           ,
           Rom
           8.
           13.
           come
           not
           timely
           ,
           it
           prevails
           to
           a
           conquest
           .
           There
           is
           no●hing
           more
           marvellous
           nor
           dreadful
           in
           the
           work●ng
           of
           sin
           ,
           than
           this
           of
           its
           importunity
           .
           The
           soul
           knows
           not
           what
           to
           make
           of
           it
           ;
           it
           dislikes
           ,
           ab●ors
           ,
           abominates
           the
           evil
           it
           tends
           unto
           ,
           it
           despiseth
           the
           thoughts
           of
           it
           ,
           hates
           them
           as
           hell
           ,
           and
           yet
           is
           by
           ●t
           self
           imposed
           on
           with
           them
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           were
           another
           person
           ,
           an
           express
           enemy
           got
           within
           him
           .
           All
           this
           the
           Apostle
           discovers
           ,
           Rom.
           7.
           15
           ,
           17.
           
           
             The
             things
             that
             I
             do
             I
             hate
          
           ;
           it
           is
           not
           of
           outward
           actions
           ,
           but
           the
           inward
           risings
           of
           the
           mind
           that
           he
           ●reats
           .
           
             I
             hate
             them
          
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           I
           abominate
           them
           .
           But
           why
           then
           will
           he
           have
           any
           thing
           more
           to
           do
           with
           them
           ?
           If
           he
           hate
           them
           ,
           and
           abhor
           himself
           for
           them
           ,
           let
           them
           alone
           ,
           have
           no
           more
           to
           do
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           so
           end
           the
           matter
           .
           Alas
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           verse
           17.
           
           
             It
             is
             no
             more
             I
             that
             do
             it
             ,
             but
             sin
             that
             dwelleth
             in
             me
             .
          
           I
           have
           one
           within
           me
           that
           is
           my
           enemy
           ,
           that
           with
           endless
           restless
           importunity
           puts
           these
           things
           upon
           me
           ,
           even
           the
           things
           that
           I
           hate
           and
           abominate
           ;
           I
           cannot
           be
           rid
           of
           them
           ,
           I
           am
           weary
           of
           my self
           ,
           I
           cannot
           flie
           from
           them
           ;
           
             O
             wretched
             man
             that
             I
             am
             ,
             who
             shall
             deliver
             me
             ?
          
           I
           do
           not
           say
           that
           this
           is
           the
           ordinary
           condition
           of
           Believers
           ,
           but
           thus
           it
           is
           
           often
           ,
           when
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin
           riseth
           up
           to
           war
           and
           fighting
           .
           It
           is
           not
           thus
           with
           them
           in
           respect
           of
           particular
           sins
           ,
           this
           or
           that
           sin
           ,
           outward
           sins
           ,
           sins
           of
           life
           or
           conversation
           ;
           but
           yet
           in
           respect
           of
           vanity
           of
           mind
           ,
           inward
           and
           spiritual
           distempers
           ,
           it
           is
           often
           so
           .
           Some
           I
           know
           pretend
           to
           great
           perfection
           ,
           but
           I
           am
           resolved
           to
           believe
           the
           Apostle
           before
           them
           all
           and
           every
           one
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           It
           carryes
           on
           its
           war
           ,
           by
           entangling
           of
           the
           Affections
           and
           drawing
           them
           into
           a
           combination
           against
           the
           mind
           .
           Let
           Grace
           be
           enthroned
           in
           the
           mind
           and
           judgement
           ,
           yet
           if
           the
           
             Law
             of
             Sin
          
           layes
           hold
           upon
           ,
           and
           entangles
           the
           Affections
           ,
           or
           any
           of
           them
           ,
           it
           hath
           gotten
           a
           Fort
           from
           whence
           it
           continually
           assaults
           the
           soul.
           Hence
           the
           great
           duty
           of
           mortification
           is
           chiefly
           directed
           to
           take
           place
           upon
           the
           Affections
           ,
           Col.
           3.
           5.
           
           
             Mortifie
             therefore
             your
             Members
             which
             are
             upon
             the
             earth
             ,
             fornication
             ,
             uncleanness
             ,
             inordinate
             Affection
             ,
             concupiscence
             and
             covetousness
             which
             is
             Idolatry
             .
          
           The
           members
           that
           are
           upon
           the
           Earth
           ,
           are
           our
           Affections
           .
           For
           in
           the
           outward
           part
           of
           the
           body
           ,
           sin
           is
           not
           seated
           :
           in
           particular
           ,
           not
           covetousness
           which
           is
           there
           enumerated
           to
           be
           mortified
           amongst
           our
           
             Members
             that
             are
             on
             the
             Earth
             .
          
           Yea
           ,
           after
           Grace
           hath
           taken
           possession
           of
           the
           soul
           ,
           the
           Affections
           do
           become
           the
           principal
           seat
           of
           the
           remainders
           of
           sin
           .
           And
           therefore
           Paul
           saith
           ,
           that
           this
           Law
           
             is
             in
             our
             Membres
             ,
             Rom.
          
           7.
           23.
           and
           James
           ,
           that
           it
           wars
           in
           
             our
             Members
             ,
             Chap.
          
           4.
           1.
           that
           is
           ,
           our
           Affections
           .
           And
           there
           is
           no
           estimate
           to
           be
           taken
           of
           the
           work
           of
           mortification
           aright
           ,
           but
           by
           the
           Affections
           .
           We
           may
           every
           day
           see
           Persons
           of
           very
           eminent
           Light
           ,
           
           that
           yet
           visibly
           have
           unmortified
           hearts
           and
           conversations
           .
           Their
           Affections
           have
           not
           been
           crucified
           with
           Christ.
           Now
           then
           when
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin
           can
           possess
           any
           Affection
           whatever
           it
           be
           ,
           love
           ,
           delight
           ,
           fear
           ,
           it
           will
           make
           from
           it
           ,
           and
           by
           it
           ,
           fearful
           assaults
           upon
           the
           soul.
           For
           instance
           ,
           hath
           it
           got
           the
           love
           of
           any
           one
           entangled
           with
           the
           world
           ,
           or
           the
           things
           of
           it
           ,
           
             the
             lust
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             the
             lust
             of
             the
             eyes
             ,
             or
             the
             pride
             of
             life
             :
          
           How
           will
           it
           take
           advantage
           on
           every
           occasion
           ,
           to
           break
           in
           upon
           the
           soul
           ?
           It
           shall
           do
           nothing
           ,
           attempt
           nothing
           ,
           be
           in
           no
           place
           ,
           or
           company
           ,
           perform
           no
           duty
           ,
           private
           or
           publick
           ,
           but
           sin
           will
           have
           one
           blow
           or
           other
           at
           it
           ;
           it
           will
           be
           one
           way
           or
           other
           soliciting
           for
           it self
           .
        
         
           This
           is
           the
           summ
           of
           what
           we
           shall
           offer
           unto
           this
           acting
           of
           the
           
             Law
             of
             Sin
          
           in
           a
           way
           of
           fighting
           and
           warring
           against
           our
           souls
           ,
           which
           is
           so
           often
           mentioned
           in
           the
           Scripture
           .
           And
           a
           due
           consideration
           of
           it
           is
           of
           no
           small
           advantage
           unto
           us
           ,
           especially
           to
           bring
           us
           unto
           self-abasement
           ,
           to
           teach
           us
           to
           walk
           humbly
           and
           mournfully
           before
           God.
           There
           are
           two
           things
           that
           are
           suited
           to
           humble
           the
           souls
           of
           men
           .
           And
           they
           are
           ,
           First
           ,
           A
           due
           consideration
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           then
           of
           themselves
           .
           Of
           God
           in
           his
           Greatness
           ,
           Glory
           ,
           Holiness
           ,
           Power
           ,
           Majesty
           and
           Authority
           ;
           of
           our selves
           in
           our
           mean
           ,
           abject
           ,
           and
           sinful
           condition
           .
           Now
           of
           all
           things
           in
           our
           condition
           ,
           there
           is
           nothing
           so
           suited
           unto
           this
           end
           and
           purpose
           ,
           as
           that
           which
           lyes
           before
           us
           ;
           namely
           ,
           the
           vile
           remainders
           of
           enmity
           against
           God
           which
           are
           yet
           in
           our
           hearts
           and
           natures
           .
           And
           it
           is
           no
           small
           evidence
           of
           a
           gracious
           soul
           ,
           
           when
           it
           is
           willing
           to
           search
           it self
           in
           this
           matter
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           helped
           therein
           from
           a
           word
           of
           truth
           .
           When
           it
           is
           willing
           that
           the
           Word
           should
           dive
           into
           the
           secret
           parts
           of
           the
           heart
           ,
           and
           rip
           open
           what
           ever
           of
           evil
           and
           corruption
           lyes
           therein
           .
           The
           Prophet
           sayes
           of
           Ephraim
           ,
           Hos.
           10.
           11.
           
           
             He
             loved
             to
             tread
             out
             the
             corn
          
           ;
           he
           loved
           to
           work
           when
           he
           might
           eat
           ,
           to
           have
           alwayes
           the
           corn
           before
           him
           ;
           but
           God
           sayes
           he
           ,
           
             would
             cause
             him
             to
             plough
          
           ;
           a
           labour
           no
           less
           needful
           ,
           though
           at
           present
           not
           so
           delightful
           .
           Most
           men
           love
           to
           hear
           of
           the
           
             doctrine
             of
             Grace
          
           ,
           of
           the
           pardon
           of
           sin
           ,
           of
           free
           love
           ,
           and
           suppose
           they
           find
           food
           therein
           ;
           however
           it
           is
           evident
           that
           they
           grow
           and
           thrive
           in
           the
           life
           and
           notion
           of
           them
           .
           But
           to
           be
           breaking
           up
           the
           
             fallow
             ground
          
           of
           their
           hearts
           ,
           to
           be
           enquiring
           after
           the
           weeds
           and
           Briars
           that
           grow
           in
           them
           ,
           they
           delight
           not
           so
           much
           .
           Though
           this
           be
           no
           less
           necessary
           than
           the
           other
           .
           This
           path
           is
           not
           so
           beaten
           as
           that
           of
           Grace
           ,
           nor
           so
           trod
           in
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           the
           only
           way
           to
           come
           to
           a
           true
           knowledge
           of
           Grace
           it self
           .
           It
           may
           be
           some
           who
           are
           wise
           and
           grown
           in
           other
           truths
           ,
           may
           yet
           be
           so
           little
           skilled
           in
           searching
           their
           own
           hearts
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           be
           slow
           in
           the
           perception
           and
           understanding
           of
           these
           things
           .
           But
           this
           sloth
           and
           neglect
           is
           to
           be
           shaken
           off
           ,
           if
           we
           have
           any
           regard
           unto
           our
           own
           souls
           .
           It
           is
           more
           than
           probable
           ,
           that
           many
           a
           false
           Hypocrite
           who
           have
           deceived
           themselves
           as
           well
           as
           others
           ,
           because
           they
           thought
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Gospel
           pleased
           them
           ,
           and
           therefore
           supposed
           they
           believed
           it
           ,
           might
           be
           delivered
           from
           their
           soul
           ruining
           deceits
           ,
           if
           they
           would
           diligently
           apply
           themselves
           unto
           this
           search
           
           of
           their
           won
           hearts
           .
           Or
           would
           other
           Professor●
           walk
           with
           so
           much
           boldness
           and
           security
           as
           some
           do
           ,
           if
           they
           considered
           a
           right
           what
           a
           deadly
           watchful
           Enemy
           they
           continually
           carry
           about
           with
           them
           and
           in
           them
           ;
           Would
           they
           so
           much
           indulge
           as
           they
           do
           to
           carnal
           joyes
           ,
           and
           pleasures
           ,
           or
           pursue
           their
           perishing
           affairs
           with
           so
           much
           delight
           and
           greediness
           as
           they
           do
           ?
           It
           were
           to
           be
           wished
           ,
           that
           we
           would
           all
           apply
           our
           hearts
           more
           to
           this
           work
           ,
           even
           to
           come
           to
           a
           true
           understanding
           of
           the
           nature
           ,
           power
           and
           subtilty
           of
           this
           our
           Adversary
           ,
           that
           our
           souls
           may
           be
           humbled
           ;
           and
           that
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           In
           walking
           with
           God
           ;
           His
           delight
           is
           with
           the
           humble
           and
           contrite
           ones
           ,
           those
           that
           tremble
           at
           his
           word
           ,
           the
           mourners
           in
           Sion
           ,
           and
           such
           are
           we
           only
           ,
           when
           we
           have
           a
           due
           sense
           of
           our
           own
           vile
           condition
           .
           This
           will
           beget
           reverence
           of
           God
           ,
           sense
           of
           our
           distance
           from
           him
           ,
           admiration
           of
           his
           Grace
           and
           condescension
           ,
           a
           due
           valuation
           of
           mercy
           ,
           far
           above
           those
           light
           verbal
           aiery
           attainments
           that
           some
           have
           boasted
           of
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           In
           walking
           with
           others
           ,
           it
           layes
           in
           provision
           to
           prevent
           those
           great
           evils
           of
           judging
           ,
           spiritual
           unmercifulness
           ,
           harsh
           censuring
           ,
           which
           I
           have
           observed
           to
           have
           been
           pretended
           by
           many
           ,
           who
           at
           the
           same
           time
           ,
           as
           afterwards
           hath
           appeared
           ,
           have
           been
           guilty
           of
           greater
           or
           worser
           crimes
           ,
           than
           those
           which
           they
           have
           raved
           against
           in
           others
           .
           This
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           will
           lead
           us
           to
           meekness
           ,
           compassion
           ,
           readiness
           to
           forgive
           ,
           to
           pass
           by
           offences
           ,
           even
           when
           we
           shall
           consider
           what
           is
           our
           state
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           plainly
           declares
           ,
           Gal.
           6.
           1.
           
           The
           man
           that
           understands
           the
           evil
           of
           hi
           sownheart
           ,
           
           how
           vile
           it
           is
           ,
           is
           the
           only
           useful
           ,
           fruitful
           and
           solidly
           believing
           and
           obedient
           person
           .
           Others
           are
           fit
           only
           to
           delude
           themselves
           ,
           to
           disquiet
           Families
           ,
           Churches
           ,
           and
           all
           Relations
           whatever
           .
           Let
           us
           then
           consider
           our
           hearts
           wisely
           ,
           and
           then
           go
           and
           see
           if
           we
           can
           be
           proud
           of
           our
           gifts
           ,
           our
           graces
           ,
           our
           valuation
           and
           esteem
           amongst
           Professors
           ,
           our
           enjoyments
           .
           Let
           us
           go
           then
           and
           judge
           ,
           condemn
           ,
           reproach
           others
           that
           have
           been
           tempted
           ;
           we
           shall
           find
           a
           great
           inconsistency
           in
           these
           things
           .
           And
           many
           things
           of
           the
           like
           nature
           might
           be
           here
           added
           upon
           the
           consideration
           of
           this
           woful
           effect
           of
           ▪
           Indwelling-Sin
           .
           The
           way
           of
           opposing
           and
           defeating
           its
           design
           herein
           shall
           be
           afterwards
           considered
           .
        
      
       
         
           CHAP.
           VII
           .
        
         
           
             The
             Captivating
             power
             of
             Indwelling-Sin
             ,
             wherein
             it
             consisteth
             .
             The
             prevalency
             of
             Sin
             ,
             when
             from
             it self
             ,
             when
             from
             Temptation
             .
             The
             Rage
             and
             Madness
             that
             is
             in
             Sin.
             
          
        
         
           THe
           third
           thing
           assigned
           unto
           this
           
             Law
             of
             Sin
          
           in
           its
           opposition
           unto
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Law
           of
           his
           Grace
           ,
           is
           ,
           that
           it
           
             leads
             the
             soul
             Captive
          
           ,
           Rom.
           7.
           23.
           
           
             I
             find
             a
             Law
             leading
             me
             Captive
             ,
             (
             Captivating
             me
             )
             unto
             the
             Law
             of
             Sin.
          
           And
           this
           is
           the
           utmost
           height
           which
           the
           Apostle
           in
           that
           place
           carries
           the
           
           opposition
           and
           warring
           of
           the
           remainders
           of
           Indwelling-Sin
           unto
           ;
           closing
           the
           consideration
           of
           it
           with
           a
           complaint
           of
           the
           state
           and
           condition
           of
           Believers
           thereby
           ;
           and
           an
           earnest
           prayer
           for
           deliverance
           from
           it
           ,
           ver
           .
           24.
           
           
             O
             wretched
             man
             that
             I
             am
             ,
             who
             shall
             deliver
             me
             from
             this
             body
             of
             death
             .
          
           What
           is
           contained
           in
           this
           expression
           ,
           and
           intended
           by
           it
           ,
           shall
           be
           declared
           in
           the
           ensuing
           Observations
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           It
           is
           not
           directly
           the
           power
           and
           actings
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin
           that
           are
           here
           expressed
           ,
           but
           its
           success
           in
           and
           upon
           its
           actings
           .
           But
           success
           is
           the
           greatest
           evidence
           of
           power
           ,
           and
           
             leading
             Captive
          
           in
           War
           is
           the
           height
           of
           success
           .
           None
           can
           aime
           at
           greater
           success
           ,
           than
           to
           lead
           their
           Enemies
           Captive
           .
           And
           it
           is
           a
           peculiar
           expression
           in
           the
           Scripture
           of
           
             great
             success
          
           .
           So
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           on
           his
           victory
           over
           Satan
           ,
           is
           said
           to
           
             lead
             Captivity
             Captive
             ,
             Ephes.
          
           4.
           8.
           
           That
           is
           ,
           to
           conquer
           him
           ,
           who
           had
           conquered
           and
           prevailed
           upon
           others
           .
           And
           this
           he
           did
           when
           by
           death
           he
           
             destroyed
             him
             that
             had
             the
             power
             of
             death
             ,
             that
             is
             the
             Devil
             ,
             Heb.
          
           2.
           14.
           
           Here
           then
           a
           great
           prevalency
           and
           power
           of
           sin
           in
           its
           warring
           against
           the
           soul
           is
           discovered
           .
           It
           so
           wars
           ,
           as
           to
           
             lead
             Captive
          
           ;
           which
           had
           it
           not
           great
           power
           ,
           it
           could
           not
           do
           ,
           especially
           against
           that
           resistance
           of
           the
           soul
           which
           is
           included
           in
           this
           expression
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           is
           said
           ,
           that
           it
           leads
           the
           soul
           captive
           
             unto
             the
             Law
             of
             Sin.
          
           Not
           to
           this
           or
           that
           sin
           ,
           particular
           sin
           ,
           actual
           sin
           ,
           but
           to
           the
           
             Law
             of
             Sin.
          
           God
           for
           the
           most
           part
           ordereth
           things
           so
           ,
           and
           gives
           out
           such
           supplies
           of
           grace
           unto
           Believers
           ,
           as
           that
           they
           shall
           not
           be
           made
           a
           prey
           unto
           this
           or
           that
           particular
           sin
           ,
           that
           it
           should
           
           prevail
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           compel
           them
           to
           serve
           it
           in
           the
           lusts
           thereof
           ,
           that
           it
           should
           have
           Dominion
           over
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           be
           Captives
           and
           slaves
           unto
           it
           .
           This
           is
           that
           which
           David
           prayes
           so
           earnestly
           against
           ,
           Psalm
           .
           19.
           12
           ,
           13.
           
           
             Cleanse
             thou
             me
             from
             secret
             faults
             ,
             keep
             back
             thy
             servant
             also
             from
             presumptuous
             sins
             ,
             let
             them
             not
             have
             dominion
             over
             me
             ,
             then
             shall
             I
             be
             upright
             .
          
           He
           supposeth
           the
           continuance
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin
           in
           him
           ,
           ver
           .
           12.
           which
           will
           bring
           forth
           
             errors
             of
             life
          
           ,
           and
           secret
           sins
           against
           which
           he
           findeth
           relief
           in
           pardoning
           and
           cleansing
           mercy
           which
           he
           prayes
           for
           .
           This
           saith
           he
           will
           be
           my
           condition
           .
           But
           for
           
             sins
             of
             pride
          
           and
           boldness
           ,
           such
           all
           sins
           are
           ,
           that
           get
           Dominion
           in
           a
           man
           ,
           that
           make
           a
           Captive
           of
           a
           man
           ,
           the
           Lord
           restrain
           thy
           servant
           from
           them
           .
           For
           what
           sin
           soever
           gets
           such
           power
           in
           a
           man
           ,
           be
           it
           in
           its
           own
           nature
           small
           or
           great
           ,
           it
           becomes
           in
           him
           in
           whom
           it
           is
           ,
           a
           sin
           of
           
             boldness
             ,
             pride
          
           ,
           and
           presumption
           .
           For
           these
           things
           are
           not
           reckoned
           from
           the
           nature
           or
           kind
           of
           the
           sin
           ,
           but
           from
           its
           prevalency
           and
           customariness
           ,
           wherein
           its
           pride
           ,
           boldness
           ▪
           and
           contempt●
           of
           God
           doth
           consist
           .
           To
           the
           same
           purpose
           ,
           if
           I
           mistake
           not
           ,
           prayes
           Jabez
           ,
           1
           Chron.
           4.
           10.
           
           
             O
             that
             thou
             wouldst
             bless
             me
             indeed
             and
             enlarge
             my
             Coast
             ,
             and
             that
             thine
             hand
             may
             be
             with
             me
             ,
             and
             that
             thou
             wouldst
             keep
             me
             from
             evil
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             not
             grieve
             me
             .
          
           The
           holy
           man
           took
           occasion
           from
           his
           
             own
             name
          
           to
           pray
           against
           sin
           that
           that
           might
           not
           be
           a
           
             grief
             and
             sorrow
          
           to
           him
           by
           its
           power
           and
           prevalency
           .
           I
           confess
           sometimes
           it
           may
           come
           to
           this
           with
           a
           Believer
           ,
           that
           for
           a
           season
           he
           may
           be
           
             lead
             Captive
          
           by
           some
           particular
           sin
           .
           It
           may
           have
           so
           much
           
           prevalency
           in
           him
           ,
           as
           to
           have
           power
           over
           him
           .
           So
           it
           seems
           to
           have
           been
           with
           David
           when
           he
           lay
           so
           long
           in
           his
           sin
           without
           repentance
           .
           And
           was
           plainly
           so
           with
           those
           in
           Isa.
           57.
           17
           ,
           18.
           
           
             For
             the
             iniquity
             of
             his
             covetousness
             was
             I
             wroth
             ,
             and
             smote
             him
             ,
             I
             hid
             me
             ,
             and
             was
             wroth
             ,
             and
             he
             went
             on
             frowardly
             in
             the
             way
             of
             his
             heart
             ;
             I
             have
             seen
             his
             wayes
             ,
             and
             will
             heal
             him
             .
          
           They
           continued
           under
           the
           power
           of
           their
           covetousness
           :
           so
           that
           no
           dealings
           of
           God
           with
           them
           ,
           for
           so
           long
           a
           time
           could
           reclaim
           them
           .
           But
           for
           the
           most
           part
           when
           any
           Lust
           or
           Sin
           doth
           so
           prevail
           ,
           it
           is
           from
           the
           advantage
           and
           fartherance
           that
           it
           hath
           got
           by
           some
           
             powerful
             temptation
          
           of
           Satan
           .
           He
           hath
           poysoned
           it
           ,
           enflamed
           it
           ,
           and
           entangled
           the
           soul.
           So
           the
           Apostle
           speaking
           of
           such
           as
           through
           sin
           were
           fallen
           off
           from
           their
           holiness
           sayes
           ,
           
             they
             were
             in
             the
             snare
             of
             the
             Devil
             ,
             being
             taken
             Captive
             by
             him
             at
             his
             will
             ,
          
           2
           Tim.
           2.
           26.
           
           Though
           it
           were
           their
           own
           lust
           ,
           that
           they
           served
           ,
           yet
           they
           were
           brought
           into
           bondage
           thereunto
           ,
           by
           being
           entangled
           in
           some
           snare
           of
           Satan
           .
           And
           thence
           they
           are
           said
           to
           be
           
             taken
             alive
          
           ,
           as
           a
           poor
           Beast
           in
           a
           toyle
           .
        
         
           And
           here
           ,
           by
           the
           way
           we
           may
           a
           little
           enquire
           whether
           the
           prevailing
           power
           of
           a
           particular
           sin
           in
           any
           ,
           be
           from
           it self
           ,
           or
           from
           the
           influence
           of
           temptation
           upon
           it
           ,
           concerning
           which
           at
           present
           take
           only
           these
           two
           Observations
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           Much
           of
           the
           prevalency
           of
           sin
           upon
           the
           soul
           is
           certainly
           from
           Satan
           ,
           when
           the
           perplexing
           and
           captivating
           sin
           hath
           no
           peculiar
           footing
           ,
           nor
           advantage
           in
           the
           nature
           ,
           constitution
           ,
           or
           condition
           of
           the
           sinner
           .
           When
           any
           lust
           grows
           high
           and
           prevailing
           more
           than
           others
           upon
           its
           own
           account
           ,
           
           it
           is
           from
           the
           peculiar
           advantage
           that
           it
           hath
           in
           the
           natural
           constitution
           ,
           or
           the
           station
           or
           condition
           of
           the
           person
           in
           the
           world
           .
           For
           otherwise
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin
           gives
           an
           equal
           propensity
           unto
           all
           evil
           ,
           an
           equal
           vigour
           unto
           every
           lust
           .
           When
           therefore
           it
           cannot
           be
           discerned
           ,
           that
           the
           captivating
           sin
           is
           peculiary
           fixed
           in
           the
           nature
           of
           the
           sinner
           ,
           or
           is
           advantaged
           from
           his
           education
           or
           employment
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           the
           prevalency
           of
           it
           is
           peculiary
           from
           Satan
           .
           He
           hath
           got
           to
           the
           root
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           hath
           given
           it
           poyson
           and
           strength
           .
           Yea
           ,
           perhaps
           sometimes
           that
           which
           may
           seem
           to
           the
           soul
           to
           be
           the
           corrupt
           lusting
           of
           the
           heart
           ,
           is
           nothing
           but
           Satans
           imposing
           his
           suggestions
           on
           the
           imagination
           .
           If
           then
           a
           man
           find
           an
           importunate
           rage
           from
           any
           corruption
           ,
           that
           is
           not
           evidently
           seated
           in
           his
           nature
           :
           Let
           him
           as
           the
           Papists
           say
           ,
           cross
           himself
           ,
           or
           fly
           by
           faith
           to
           the
           Cross
           of
           Christ
           ,
           for
           the
           Devil
           is
           nigh
           at
           hand
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           When
           a
           Lust
           is
           prevalent
           unto
           Captivity
           where
           it
           brings
           in
           no
           advantage
           to
           the
           flesh
           ,
           it
           is
           from
           Satan
           .
           All
           that
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin
           doth
           of
           it self
           ,
           is
           to
           serve
           the
           
             providence
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             Rom.
          
           13.
           14.
           
           And
           it
           must
           bring
           in
           unto
           it
           somewhat
           of
           the
           profits
           and
           pleasures
           that
           are
           its
           object
           .
           Now
           if
           the
           prevailing
           sin
           do
           not
           so
           act
           it self
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           more
           spiritual
           and
           inward
           ,
           it
           is
           much
           from
           Satan
           by
           the
           imagination
           ,
           more
           than
           the
           corruption
           of
           the
           heart
           it self
           .
           But
           this
           by
           the
           way
           .
        
         
           I
           say
           then
           ,
           that
           the
           Apostle
           treats
           not
           here
           ,
           of
           our
           being
           captivated
           unto
           this
           or
           that
           sin
           ,
           but
           unto
           the
           
             Law
             of
             Sin.
          
           That
           is
           ,
           we
           are
           compelled
           to
           bear
           its
           presence
           and
           burden
           whether
           we
           will
           or
           
           no.
           Sometimes
           the
           soul
           thinks
           or
           hopes
           that
           it
           may
           through
           grace
           be
           
             utterly
             freed
          
           from
           this
           troublesome
           Inmate
           .
           Upon
           some
           sweet
           enjoyment
           of
           God
           ,
           some
           full
           supply
           of
           grace
           ,
           some
           return
           from
           wandering
           ,
           some
           deep
           affliction
           ,
           some
           through
           humiliation
           ,
           the
           poor
           soul
           begins
           to
           hope
           that
           it
           shall
           now
           be
           freed
           from
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin.
           But
           after
           a
           while
           it
           perceives
           that
           it
           is
           quite
           otherwise
           .
           Sin
           acts
           again
           ,
           makes
           good
           it
           s
           old
           station
           ,
           and
           the
           soul
           finds
           that
           whether
           it
           will
           or
           no
           ,
           it
           must
           bear
           its
           yoke
           .
           This
           makes
           it
           sigh
           and
           cry
           out
           for
           deliverance
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           This
           leading
           Captive
           argues
           a
           prevalency
           against
           the
           renitency
           or
           contrary
           actings
           of
           the
           will.
           This
           is
           intimated
           plainly
           in
           this
           expression
           ;
           namely
           ,
           that
           the
           will
           opposeth
           ,
           and
           makes
           head
           as
           it
           were
           against
           the
           working
           of
           sin
           .
           This
           the
           Apostle
           declares
           in
           those
           expressions
           which
           he
           uses
           ,
           ver
           .
           15
           ,
           19
           ,
           20.
           
           And
           herein
           consists
           the
           
             lusting
             of
             the
             Spirit
          
           against
           the
           flesh
           ,
           Gal.
           5.
           17.
           
           That
           is
           ,
           the
           contending
           of
           grace
           to
           expell
           and
           subdue
           it
           .
           The
           spiritual
           habits
           of
           grace
           that
           are
           in
           the
           Will
           ,
           do
           so
           resist
           and
           act
           against
           it
           .
           And
           the
           excitation
           of
           those
           habits
           by
           the
           Spirit
           are
           directed
           to
           the
           same
           purpose
           .
           This
           leading
           Captive
           ,
           is
           contrary
           I
           say
           ,
           to
           the
           inclinations
           and
           actings
           of
           the
           
             renewed
             will.
          
           No
           man
           is
           made
           a
           Captive
           but
           against
           his
           will.
           Captivity
           is
           misery
           and
           trouble
           ,
           and
           no
           man
           willingly
           puts
           himself
           into
           trouble
           .
           Men
           chuse
           it
           in
           its
           causes
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           wayes
           and
           means
           leading
           unto
           it
           ,
           but
           not
           in
           it self
           .
           So
           the
           Prophe●
           informs
           us
           ,
           Hos.
           5.
           11.
           
           
             Ephraim
             was
             not
             willingly
             oppressed
             and
             broken
             in
             
             Judgement
          
           ;
           that
           was
           his
           misery
           and
           trouble
           ;
           but
           he
           willingly
           walked
           after
           the
           Commandement
           of
           the
           
             Idolatrous
             Kings
          
           which
           brought
           him
           thereunto
           .
           Whatever
           consent
           then
           the
           soul
           may
           give
           unto
           sin
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           means
           of
           this
           Captivity
           ,
           it
           gives
           none
           to
           the
           Captivity
           it self
           ;
           that
           is
           against
           the
           will
           wholly
           .
           Hence
           these
           things
           ensue
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           
             That
             the
             power
             of
             sin
             is
             great
             ,
          
           which
           is
           that
           which
           we
           are
           in
           the
           demonstration
           of
           ;
           and
           this
           appears
           in
           its
           prevalency
           unto
           Captivity
           ;
           against
           the
           actings
           and
           contendings
           of
           the
           will
           for
           liberty
           from
           it
           .
           Had
           it
           no
           opposition
           made
           unto
           it
           ,
           or
           were
           its
           Adversary
           ,
           weak
           ,
           negligent
           ,
           slothful
           ,
           it
           were
           no
           great
           evidence
           of
           its
           power
           ,
           that
           it
           made
           Captives
           .
           But
           its
           prevailing
           against
           diligence
           ,
           activity
           ,
           watchfulness
           ,
           the
           constant
           renitency
           of
           the
           will
           ,
           this
           evinceth
           its
           efficacy
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           This
           leading
           Captive
           intimates
           
             manifold
             particular
             successes
          
           .
           Had
           it
           not
           success
           in
           particular
           it
           could
           not
           be
           said
           at
           all
           to
           lead
           captive
           .
           Rebell
           it
           might
           ,
           assail
           it
           might
           ,
           but
           it
           cannot
           be
           said
           to
           
             lead
             Captive
          
           without
           some
           successes
           .
           And
           there
           are
           several
           degrees
           of
           the
           success
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin
           in
           the
           soul.
           Sometimes
           it
           carries
           the
           Person
           unto
           outward
           
             actual
             sin
          
           which
           is
           its
           utmost
           aim
           .
           Sometimes
           it
           obtaineth
           the
           
             consent
             of
             the
             will
          
           ,
           but
           is
           cast
           out
           by
           grace
           ,
           and
           proceeds
           no
           farther
           .
           Sometimes
           it
           wearies
           and
           entangles
           the
           soul
           ,
           that
           it
           turns
           aside
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           and
           leaves
           contending
           which
           is
           a
           success
           also
           .
           One
           or
           more
           ,
           or
           all
           of
           these
           must
           be
           ,
           where
           Captivity
           takes
           place
           .
           Such
           a
           kind
           of
           course
           doth
           the
           Apostle
           ascribe
           unto
           cove●ousness
           ,
           1
           Tim.
           6.
           9.
           
        
         
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           This
           leading
           captive
           manifests
           this
           condition
           
             to
             be
             miserable
             and
             wretched
          
           .
           To
           be
           thus
           yoked
           and
           dealt
           withall
           against
           the
           judgment
           of
           the
           mind
           ,
           the
           choice
           and
           consent
           of
           the
           will
           ,
           its
           utmost
           strivings
           and
           contendings
           ,
           how
           sad
           is
           it
           ?
           When
           the
           neck
           is
           sore
           and
           tender
           with
           former
           pressures
           ,
           to
           be
           compell'd
           to
           bear
           the
           yoke
           again
           ,
           this
           pierces
           ,
           this
           grieves
           ,
           this
           even
           breaks
           the
           heart
           .
           When
           the
           soul
           is
           principled
           by
           grace
           unto
           a
           loathing
           of
           sin
           ,
           of
           every
           evil
           way
           ,
           to
           an
           hatred
           of
           the
           least
           discrepancy
           between
           it self
           and
           the
           holy
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           then
           to
           be
           imposed
           on
           by
           this
           
             Law
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           with
           all
           that
           enmity
           and
           folly
           ,
           that
           deadness
           and
           filth
           ,
           wherewith
           it
           is
           attended
           :
           what
           more
           dreadful
           condition
           ?
           All
           captivity
           is
           dreadful
           in
           its
           own
           nature
           ;
           the
           greatest
           aggravation
           of
           it
           is
           from
           the
           condition
           of
           the
           Tyrant
           unto
           whom
           any
           one
           is
           captivated
           .
           Now
           what
           can
           be
           worse
           than
           this
           Law
           of
           sin
           ?
           Hence
           the
           Apostle
           having
           once
           mentioned
           this
           captivity
           ,
           cries
           out
           as
           one
           quite
           weary
           and
           ready
           to
           faint
           ,
           ver
           .
           24.
           
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           This
           condition
           is
           
             peculiar
             to
             Believers
          
           .
           Unregenerate
           men
           are
           not
           said
           to
           be
           
             led
             captive
          
           to
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           .
           They
           may
           indeed
           be
           led
           captive
           unto
           this
           or
           that
           particular
           sin
           or
           corruption
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           they
           may
           be
           forced
           to
           serve
           it
           against
           the
           power
           of
           their
           convictions
           .
           They
           are
           convinced
           of
           the
           evil
           of
           it
           ,
           an
           adulterer
           of
           his
           uncleanness
           ,
           a
           drunkard
           of
           his
           abomination
           ,
           and
           make
           some
           resolutions
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           against
           it
           .
           But
           their
           lust
           is
           too
           hard
           for
           them
           ,
           they
           cannot
           cease
           to
           sin
           ,
           and
           so
           are
           made
           captives
           or
           slaves
           to
           this
           or
           that
           particular
           sin
           .
           But
           they
           cannot
           be
           said
           to
           be
           
             led
             captive
             
             to
             the
             Law
             of
             sin
             ,
          
           and
           that
           because
           they
           are
           willingly
           subject
           thereunto
           .
           It
           hath
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           a
           rightful
           dominion
           over
           them
           ,
           and
           they
           oppose
           it
           not
           ,
           but
           only
           when
           it
           hath
           irruptions
           to
           the
           disturbance
           of
           their
           consciences
           .
           And
           then
           the
           opposition
           they
           make
           unto
           it
           is
           not
           from
           their
           wills
           ,
           but
           is
           the
           mee●
           acting
           of
           an
           affrighted
           conscience
           ,
           and
           a
           convinced
           mind
           .
           They
           regard
           not
           the
           nature
           of
           sin
           ,
           but
           its
           guilt
           and
           consequences
           .
           But
           to
           be
           brought
           into
           captivity
           ,
           is
           that
           which
           befalls
           a
           man
           against
           his
           will.
           Which
           is
           all
           that
           shall
           be
           spoken
           unto
           this
           degree
           of
           the
           actings
           of
           the
           power
           of
           sin
           ,
           manifesting
           it self
           in
           its
           success
           .
        
         
           The
           fourth
           and
           last
           degree
           of
           the
           opposition
           made
           by
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Law
           of
           his
           Will
           and
           Grace
           ,
           is
           in
           its
           Rage
           and
           Madness
           .
           There
           is
           Madness
           in
           its
           nature
           ,
           Eccles.
           9.
           3.
           
           
             The
             heart
             of
             the
             sons
             of
             men
             is
             full
             of
             evil
             ,
             and
             madness
             is
             in
             their
             heart
             .
          
           The
           evil
           that
           the
           heart
           of
           man
           is
           full
           of
           by
           nature
           ,
           is
           that
           Indwelling-sin
           whereof
           we
           speak
           .
           And
           this
           is
           so
           in
           their
           heart
           ,
           that
           it
           riseth
           up
           unto
           madness
           .
           The
           holy
           Ghost
           expresseth
           this
           rage
           of
           sin
           by
           a
           fit
           similitude
           which
           he
           useth
           in
           sundry
           places
           ,
           as
           Jer.
           2.
           24.
           
           Hos.
           8.
           9.
           
           It
           maketh
           
             men
             as
             a
             wild
             Ass
          
           ;
           she
           traverseth
           her
           ways
           ,
           and
           ●●●●●eth
           up
           the
           wind
           ,
           and
           runneth
           whither
           her
           mind
           or
           lust
           leads
           her
           .
           And
           he
           saith
           of
           Idolaters
           enraged
           with
           their
           lusts
           ,
           that
           they
           
             are
             mad
             upon
             their
             idols
             ,
             Jer.
          
           5.
           38.
           
           We
           may
           a
           little
           consider
           what
           lies
           in
           this
           madness
           and
           rage
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           how
           it
           riseth
           up
           thereunto
           .
        
         
           ●●rst
           ,
           For
           the
           nature
           of
           it
           ,
           it
           seems
           to
           consist
           in
           a
           violent
           ,
           heady
           ,
           per●inacious
           pressing
           unto
           evil
           or
           
           sin
           .
           Violence
           ,
           importunity
           and
           pertinacy
           are
           in
           it
           .
           It
           is
           the
           tearing
           and
           torturing
           of
           the
           soul
           by
           any
           sin
           to
           force
           its
           consent
           ,
           and
           to
           obtain
           satisfaction
           .
           It
           riseth
           up
           in
           the
           heart
           ,
           is
           denied
           by
           the
           Law
           of
           grace
           ,
           and
           rebuked
           ;
           it
           returns
           and
           exerts
           its
           poison
           again
           ;
           the
           soul
           is
           startled
           ,
           casts
           it
           of
           ;
           it
           returns
           again
           with
           new
           violence
           and
           importunity
           ,
           the
           soul
           cries
           out
           for
           help
           and
           deliverance
           ,
           looks
           round
           about
           to
           all
           springs
           of
           Gospel
           grace
           and
           relief
           ,
           trembles
           at
           the
           furious
           assaults
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           casts
           it self
           into
           the
           arms
           of
           Christ
           for
           deliverance
           .
           And
           if
           it
           be
           not
           table
           to
           take
           that
           course
           ,
           it
           is
           foiled
           and
           hurried
           up
           and
           down
           through
           the
           mire
           and
           filth
           of
           foolish
           imaginations
           ,
           corrupt
           and
           noisome
           lusts
           ,
           which
           rend
           and
           tear
           it
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           would
           devour
           its
           whole
           spiritual
           life
           and
           power
           .
           See
           1
           Tim.
           6.
           9
           ,
           10.
           2
           
           Pet.
           2.
           14.
           
           It
           was
           not
           much
           otherwise
           with
           them
           whom
           we
           instanced
           in
           before
           ,
           Isa.
           57.
           17.
           
           They
           had
           an
           inflamed
           inraged
           lust
           working
           in
           them
           ;
           even
           covetousness
           ,
           or
           the
           love
           of
           this
           world
           ,
           by
           which
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ,
           men
           
             pierce
             themselves
             through
             with
             many
             sorrows
             .
          
           God
           is
           angry
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           discovereth
           his
           wrath
           by
           all
           the
           ways
           and
           means
           that
           it
           was
           possible
           for
           them
           to
           be
           made
           sensible
           thereof
           .
           He
           was
           wroth
           and
           smo●e
           them
           ;
           but
           though
           it
           may
           be
           this
           staggered
           them
           a
           little
           ,
           yet
           they
           went
           on
           .
           
             He
             is
             angry
             ,
             and
             hides
             himself
             from
             them
             ,
          
           deserts
           them
           as
           to
           his
           gracious
           assisting
           comforting
           Presence
           .
           Doth
           this
           work
           the
           effect
           ?
           No
           they
           go
           on
           frowardly
           still
           ,
           as
           men
           mad
           on
           their
           covetousness
           .
           Nothing
           can
           put
           a
           stop
           to
           their
           raging
           lusts
           .
           This
           is
           
             plain
             madness
          
           and
           fury
           .
           We
           need
           not
           seek
           far
           for
           instances
           ,
           we
           see
           men
           mad
           on
           
           their
           lusts
           every
           day
           :
           And
           which
           is
           the
           worst
           kind●
           of
           madness
           ,
           their
           lusts
           do
           not
           rage
           so
           much
           in
           them
           ,
           as
           they
           rage
           in
           the
           pursuit
           of
           them
           .
           Are
           those
           greedy
           pursuits
           of
           things
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           which
           we
           see
           some
           men
           engaged
           in
           ,
           though
           they
           have
           other
           pretences
           ,
           indeed
           an●
           thing
           else
           but
           plain
           madness
           in
           the
           pursuit
           of
           their
           lusts
           ?
           God
           who
           searcheth
           the
           hearts
           of
           men
           ,
           knows
           ,
           that
           the
           most
           of
           things
           that
           are
           done
           with
           other
           pretences
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           are
           nothing
           but
           the
           actings
           of
           men
           mad●
           and
           furious
           in
           the
           pursuit
           of
           their
           lusts
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           That
           sin
           ariseth
           not
           unto
           this
           height
           ordinarily
           ,
           but
           when
           it
           hath
           got
           a
           double
           advantage
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           it
           be
           provoked
           ,
           enraged
           and
           h●eightned
           by
           some
           great
           temptation
           .
           Though
           it
           be
           a●
           poison
           in
           it self
           ,
           yet
           being
           inbred
           in
           nature
           ,
           it
           grows
           not
           violently
           outragious
           without
           the
           contribution
           of
           some
           new
           poison
           of
           Sathan
           unto
           it
           in
           a
           suitable
           t●mptation
           .
           It
           was
           the
           advantage
           that
           Sathan
           got
           against
           David
           ,
           by
           a
           suitable
           temptation
           that
           raised
           his
           lusts
           to
           that
           rage
           and
           madness
           ,
           which
           it
           went
           forth
           unto
           in
           the
           business
           of
           Bathsheba
           and
           Vriah
           .
           Though
           sin
           be
           always
           a
           fire
           in
           the
           bones
           ,
           yet
           it
           flames
           not
           ,
           unless
           Sathan
           come
           with
           his
           bellows
           to
           blow
           it
           up
           .
           And
           let
           any
           one
           in
           whom
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           ●riseth
           to
           this
           height
           of
           rage
           ,
           seriously
           consider
           ,
           and
           he
           may
           find
           out
           where
           the
           devil
           stands
           and
           puts
           in
           the
           business
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           must
           be
           advantaged
           by
           some
           former
           entertainment
           and
           prevalency
           .
           Sin
           grows
           not
           to
           this
           height
           at
           its
           first
           assault
           .
           Had
           it
           not
           been
           suffered
           to
           make
           its
           entrance
           ,
           had
           there
           not
           been
           
           some
           yielding
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           this
           had
           not
           come
           about
           ▪
           The
           great
           wisdom
           and
           security
           of
           the
           soul
           in
           dealing
           with
           in-dwelling
           sin
           ,
           is
           to
           put
           a
           violent
           stop
           unto
           its
           beginnings
           ,
           its
           first
           motions
           and
           actings
           .
           Venture
           all
           on
           the
           first
           attempt
           .
           Die
           rather
           than
           yield
           one
           step
           unto
           it
           .
           If
           through
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           ,
           or
           the
           negligence
           of
           the
           soul
           ,
           or
           its
           carnal
           confidence
           ,
           to
           give
           bounds
           to
           lusts
           actings
           at
           other
           seasons
           ,
           it
           makes
           any
           entrance
           into
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           finds
           any
           entertainment
           ,
           it
           gets
           strength
           and
           power
           ,
           and
           insensibly
           ariseth
           to
           the
           frame
           under
           consideration
           .
           Thou
           hadst
           never
           had
           the
           experience
           of
           the
           fury
           of
           sin
           ,
           if
           thou
           hadst
           not
           been
           content
           with
           some
           of
           its
           dalliances
           .
           Hadst
           thou
           not
           brought
           up
           this
           servant
           ,
           this
           slave
           delicately
           ,
           it
           would
           not
           have
           now
           presumed
           beyond
           a
           son
           .
           Now
           when
           the
           
             Law
             of
             sin
          
           in
           any
           particular
           hath
           got
           this
           double
           advantage
           ,
           the
           furtherance
           of
           a
           vigorous
           temptation
           ,
           and
           some
           prevalency
           formerly
           obtained
           ,
           whereby
           it
           is
           let
           into
           the
           strengths
           of
           the
           soul
           ,
           it
           often
           riseth
           up
           to
           this
           frame
           whereof
           we
           speak
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           We
           may
           see
           what
           accompanies
           this
           rage
           and
           madness
           ,
           what
           are
           the
           properties
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           what
           effects
           it
           produceth
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           There
           is
           in
           it
           the
           casting
           off
           ,
           for
           a
           time
           at
           least
           ,
           of
           the
           yoke
           ,
           rule
           and
           government
           of
           the
           Spirit
           and
           Law
           of
           Grace
           .
           Where
           Grace
           hath
           the
           dominion
           ,
           it
           will
           never
           utterly
           be
           expell'd
           from
           its
           Throne
           ,
           it
           will
           still
           keep
           its
           right
           and
           sovereignty
           .
           But
           its
           influences
           may
           for
           a
           season
           be
           intercepted
           ,
           and
           its
           government
           be
           suspended
           by
           the
           power
           of
           sin
           .
           Can
           we
           think
           that
           the
           
             Law
             of
             grace
          
           had
           any
           actual
           influence
           of
           rule
           on
           the
           heart
           of
           David
           ,
           when
           
           upon
           the
           provocation
           received
           from
           Nabal
           ,
           he
           was
           so
           hurried
           with
           the
           desire
           of
           self-revenge
           ,
           that
           he
           cryed
           ,
           
             gird
             on
             your
             swords
          
           ,
           to
           his
           companions
           ,
           and
           resolved
           not
           to
           leave
           alive
           one
           man
           of
           his
           whole
           houshold
           ,
           1
           Sam.
           25
           34.
           
           Or
           that
           Asa
           was
           in
           any
           better
           frame
           ,
           when
           he
           
             smote
             the
             Prophet
          
           ,
           and
           put
           him
           in
           Prison
           ,
           that
           spake
           unto
           him
           in
           the
           name
           of
           the
           Lord.
           Sin
           in
           this
           case
           is
           like
           an
           
             untamed
             Horse
          
           ,
           which
           having
           first
           cast
           off
           his
           Rider
           ,
           runs
           away
           with
           fierceness
           and
           rage
           .
           It
           first
           casts
           off
           a
           present
           sense
           of
           the
           yoke
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           Law
           of
           his
           Grace
           ,
           and
           then
           hurries
           the
           soul
           at
           its
           pleasure
           .
           Let
           us
           a
           little
           consider
           how
           this
           is
           done
           .
        
         
           The
           seat
           and
           residence
           of
           grace
           is
           in
           the
           whole
           soul
           ;
           it
           is
           in
           the
           Inner
           man
           ,
           it
           is
           in
           the
           mind
           ,
           the
           will
           ,
           and
           the
           affections
           ;
           for
           the
           
             whole
             soul
             is
             renewed
             by
             it
             unto
             the
             Image
             of
             God
             ,
             Ephes.
          
           4.
           23
           ,
           24.
           
           And
           the
           whole
           man
           is
           a
           
             new
             Creature
          
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           5.
           17.
           
           And
           in
           all
           these
           doth
           it
           exert
           its
           power
           and
           efficacy
           ;
           Its
           Rule
           or
           Dominion
           is
           the
           pursuit
           of
           its
           effectual
           working
           in
           all
           the
           faculties
           of
           the
           soul
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           one
           united
           principle
           of
           moral
           and
           spiritual
           operations
           .
           So
           then
           ,
           the
           interrupting
           of
           its
           exercise
           ,
           of
           its
           Rule
           and
           Power
           by
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin
           ▪
           must
           consist
           in
           its
           contrary
           acting
           in
           and
           upon
           the
           faculties
           and
           affections
           of
           the
           soul
           ,
           whereon
           ,
           and
           by
           which
           grace
           should
           exert
           its
           power
           and
           efficacy
           .
           And
           this
           it
           doth
           .
           It
           darkens
           the
           mind
           ,
           partly
           through
           innumerable
           vain
           prejudices
           ,
           and
           false
           reasonings
           ,
           as
           we
           shall
           see
           when
           we
           come
           to
           consider
           its
           deceitfulness
           ;
           and
           partly
           through
           the
           steaming
           of
           the
           Affections
           ,
           heated
           with
           the
           noisome
           lusts
           that
           have
           laid
           hold
           on
           
           them
           .
           Hence
           that
           saving
           light
           that
           is
           in
           the
           mind
           is
           clouded
           and
           stifled
           ,
           that
           it
           cannot
           put
           forth
           its
           
             transforming
             power
          
           to
           change
           the
           soul
           into
           the
           likeness
           of
           Christ
           discovered
           unto
           it
           ,
           which
           is
           its
           proper
           work
           ,
           Rom.
           12.
           2.
           
           The
           habitual
           inclination
           of
           the
           will
           to
           obedience
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           next
           way
           of
           the
           working
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           grace
           ,
           is
           first
           weakned
           ,
           then
           cast
           aside
           ,
           and
           rendered
           useless
           by
           the
           continual
           solicitations
           of
           sin
           and
           temptation
           ;
           so
           that
           the
           will
           first
           lets
           go
           its
           hold
           ,
           and
           disputes
           whether
           it
           shall
           yield
           or
           no
           ;
           and
           at
           last
           gives
           up
           it self
           to
           its
           Adversary
           ;
           and
           for
           the
           Affections
           commonly
           the
           beginning
           of
           this
           evil
           is
           in
           them
           .
           They
           cross
           one
           another
           ,
           and
           torture
           the
           soul
           with
           their
           impetuous
           violence
           .
           By
           this
           way
           is
           the
           Rule
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           Grace
           intercepted
           by
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin
           ,
           even
           by
           imposing
           upon
           it
           in
           the
           whole
           seat
           of
           its
           Government
           .
           When
           this
           is
           done
           ,
           it
           is
           sad
           work
           that
           sin
           will
           make
           in
           the
           soul.
           the
           Apostle
           warns
           Believers
           to
           take
           heed
           hereof
           ,
           Rom.
           6.
           12.
           
           
             Let
             not
             sin
             therefore
             reign
             in
             your
             mortal
             bodies
             that
             you
             should
             obey
             it
             in
             the
             lusts
             thereof
             .
          
           Look
           to
           it
           that
           it
           get
           not
           the
           Dominion
           ,
           that
           it
           usurp
           not
           Rule
           ,
           no
           not
           for
           a
           moment
           .
           It
           will
           labour
           to
           intrude
           it self
           into
           the
           Throne
           ,
           watch
           against
           it
           ,
           or
           a
           woful
           state
           and
           condition
           lyes
           at
           the
           door
           .
           This
           then
           accompanies
           this
           rage
           and
           madness
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin.
           It
           casts
           off
           during
           its
           prevalency
           the
           Rule
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           Grace
           wholly
           .
           It
           speaks
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           but
           is
           not
           heard
           ,
           it
           commands
           the
           contrary
           ,
           but
           is
           not
           obeyed
           .
           It
           cryes
           out
           ,
           
             do
             not
             this
             abominable
             thing
             which
             the
             Lord
             hateth
             ,
          
           but
           is
           not
           regarded
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           not
           so
           far
           as
           to
           be
           able
           to
           
           put
           a
           present
           stop
           to
           the
           rage
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           to
           recover
           its
           own
           rule
           ,
           which
           God
           in
           his
           own
           time
           restores
           to
           it
           by
           the
           power
           of
           his
           Spirit
           dwelling
           in
           us
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Madness
           or
           rage
           are
           accompanied
           with
           fearlesness
           and
           contempt
           of
           danger
           .
           It
           takes
           away
           the
           power
           of
           consideration
           ,
           and
           all
           that
           influence
           that
           it
           ought
           to
           have
           upon
           the
           soul.
           Hence
           sinners
           that
           are
           wholly
           under
           the
           power
           of
           this
           rage
           ,
           are
           said
           ,
           
             to
             run
             upon
             God
             and
             the
             thick
             bosses
             of
             his
             buckler
             ,
          
           Job
           16.
           21.
           
           That
           wherein
           he
           is
           armed
           for
           their
           utter
           ruine
           .
           They
           despise
           the
           utmost
           that
           he
           can
           do
           to
           them
           ,
           being
           secretly
           resolved
           to
           accomplish
           their
           lusts
           though
           it
           cost
           them
           their
           souls
           .
           Some
           few
           considerations
           will
           farther
           clear
           this
           unto
           us
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           Ofttimes
           when
           the
           soul
           is
           broken
           loose
           from
           the
           power
           of
           
             renewing
             grace
          
           ,
           God
           deals
           with
           it
           to
           keep
           it
           within
           bounds
           by
           
             preventing
             grace
          
           .
           So
           the
           Lord
           declares
           that
           he
           will
           deal
           with
           
             Israel
             ,
             H●s
          
           .
           2.
           6.
           seeing
           ●hou
           hast
           rejected
           me
           ,
           I
           will
           take
           another
           course
           with
           thee
           .
           I
           will
           lay
           obstacles
           before
           thee
           that
           thou
           shalt
           not
           be
           able
           to
           pass
           on
           whither
           the
           fury
           of
           thy
           lusts
           would
           drive
           thee
           .
           He
           will
           propose
           that
           to
           them
           from
           without
           ,
           that
           shall
           obstruct
           them
           in
           their
           progress
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           These
           hinderances
           that
           God
           laves
           in
           the
           way
           of
           sinners
           ,
           as
           shall
           be
           afterwards
           at
           large
           declared
           ;
           are
           of
           two
           sorts
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           
             Rational
             considerations
          
           taken
           from
           the
           consequence
           of
           the
           sin
           and
           evil
           that
           the
           soul
           is
           solicited
           unto
           ,
           and
           perplexed
           withal
           .
           Such
           are
           the
           
             fear
             of
             Death
          
           ,
           Judgement
           ,
           and
           Hell
           ,
           falling
           into
           the
           
           hands
           of
           the
           Living
           God
           ,
           who
           is
           a
           consuming
           fire
           .
           Whilest
           a
           man
           is
           under
           the
           power
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Life
           ,
           the
           
             Love
             of
             Christ
             constraineth
             him
          
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           5.
           14.
           
           The
           principle
           of
           his
           doing
           good
           and
           abstaining
           from
           evil
           ,
           is
           
             faith
             working
             by
             love
          
           ,
           accompanied
           with
           a
           following
           of
           Christ
           because
           of
           the
           sweet
           ●avour
           of
           his
           name
           .
           But
           now
           when
           this
           blessed
           
             〈◊〉
             yoke
          
           is
           for
           a
           season
           cast
           off
           ,
           so
           as
           was
           manifested
           before
           ,
           God
           sets
           an
           hedge
           of
           terrour
           before
           the
           soul
           ,
           minds
           it
           of
           Death
           and
           Judgement
           to
           come
           ,
           flashes
           the
           flames
           of
           Hell
           Fire
           in
           the
           face
           ,
           fills
           the
           soul
           with
           consideration
           of
           all
           the
           evil
           consequence
           of
           sin
           to
           deter
           it
           from
           its
           purpose
           .
           To
           this
           end
           doth
           he
           make
           use
           of
           all
           threatnings
           recorded
           in
           the
           Law
           and
           Gospel
           .
           To
           this
           Head
           also
           may
           be
           referred
           all
           the
           considerations
           that
           may
           be
           taken
           from
           things
           temporal
           ,
           as
           shame
           ,
           reproach
           ,
           scandal
           ,
           punishments
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           .
           By
           the
           consideration
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           doth
           God
           set
           an
           hedge
           before
           them
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Providential
           Dispensations
           are
           used
           by
           the
           Lord
           to
           the
           same
           purpose
           ,
           and
           these
           are
           of
           two
           sorts
           ;
        
         
           First
           ,
           Such
           as
           are
           suited
           to
           work
           upon
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           to
           cause
           it
           to
           desist
           and
           give
           over
           in
           its
           lustings
           and
           pursuit
           of
           sin
           .
           Such
           are
           Afflictions
           and
           Mercies
           ,
           Isa.
           57.
           17.
           
           
             I
             was
             wroth
             and
             I
             smote
             them
             ,
          
           I
           testified
           my
           dislike
           of
           their
           wayes
           by
           Afflictions
           ;
           So
           Hos.
           2.
           9
           ,
           11
           ,
           12.
           
           
             God
             chastens
             men
             with
             pains
             on
             their
             bodies
             ,
          
           saith
           he
           ,
           in
           
             Job
             ,
             to
             turn
             them
             from
             their
             purpose
             ,
             and
             to
             hide
             sin
             from
             them
             ,
             Job
          
           33.
           17
           ,
           19.
           
           And
           other
           wayes
           he
           hath
           to
           come
           to
           them
           and
           touch
           them
           ,
           as
           in
           their
           Names
           ,
           Relations
           ,
           
           Estates
           and
           desirable
           things
           .
           Or
           else
           he
           heaps
           mercies
           on
           them
           that
           they
           may
           consider
           whom
           they
           are
           rebelling
           against
           .
           It
           may
           be
           signal
           distinguishing
           mercies
           are
           made
           their
           portion
           for
           many
           dayes
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Such
           as
           
             actually
             hinder
          
           the
           soul
           from
           pursuing
           sin
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           resolved
           so
           to
           do
           .
           The
           various
           wayes
           whereby
           God
           doth
           this
           ,
           we
           must
           afterwards
           consider
           .
        
         
           These
           are
           the
           wayes
           I
           say
           ,
           whereby
           the
           soul
           is
           dealt
           withal
           ,
           after
           the
           Law
           of
           Indwelling-Sin
           hath
           cast
           off
           for
           a
           season
           the
           influencing
           power
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           Grace
           .
           But
           now
           when
           lust
           rises
           up
           to
           rage
           or
           madness
           ,
           it
           will
           also
           contemn
           all
           these
           ,
           even
           the
           Rod
           and
           him
           that
           hath
           appointed
           it
           .
           It
           will
           rush
           on
           shame
           ,
           reproaches
           ,
           wrath
           ,
           and
           whatever
           may
           befall
           it
           .
           That
           is
           ,
           though
           they
           be
           presented
           unto
           it
           ,
           it
           will
           venture
           upon
           them
           all
           .
           Rage
           and
           madness
           is
           fearless
           .
           And
           this
           it
           doth
           two
           wayes
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           It
           
             possess●th
             the
             mind
          
           ,
           that
           it
           suffers
           not
           the
           consideration
           of
           these
           things
           to
           dwell
           upon
           it
           ,
           but
           renders
           the
           thoughts
           of
           them
           slight
           and
           evanid
           .
           Or
           if
           the
           mind
           do
           force
           it self
           to
           a
           contemplation
           of
           them
           ,
           yet
           it
           interposeth
           between
           it
           and
           the
           Affections
           ,
           that
           they
           shall
           not
           be
           influenced
           by
           it
           in
           any
           proportion
           to
           what
           is
           required
           .
           The
           soul
           in
           such
           a
           condition
           will
           be
           able
           to
           take
           such
           things
           into
           contemplation
           ,
           and
           not
           at
           all
           to
           be
           moved
           by
           them
           .
           And
           where
           they
           do
           prevail
           for
           a
           season
           ,
           yet
           they
           are
           insensibly
           wrought
           off
           from
           the
           heart
           again
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           By
           secret
           stubborn
           resolves
           to
           venture
           all
           upon
           the
           way
           wherein
           it
           is
           .
        
         
         
           And
           this
           is
           the
           second
           branch
           of
           this
           Evidence
           of
           the
           
             power
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           taken
           from
           the
           opposition
           that
           it
           makes
           to
           the
           
             Law
             of
             Grace
             ,
             as
             it
             were
          
           by
           the
           way
           of
           force
           ,
           strength
           and
           violence
           ;
           the
           consideration
           of
           its
           deceit
           doth
           now
           follow
           .
        
      
       
         
           CHAP.
           VIII
           .
        
         
           
             Indwelling-Sin
             proved
             powerful
             from
             its
             deceit
             .
             Proved
             to
             be
             deceitful
             .
             The
             General
             Nature
             of
             Deceit
             .
             Jam.
             1.
             14.
             opened
             .
             How
             the
             mind
             is
             drawn
             off
             from
             its
             Duty
             by
             the
             Deceitfulness
             of
             Sin.
             The
             principal
             Duties
             of
             the
             mind
             in
             our
             Obedience
             .
             The
             wayes
             and
             Means
             whereby
             it
             is
             turned
             from
             it
             .
          
        
         
           THE
           second
           part
           of
           the
           evidence
           of
           the
           
             power
             of
             Sin
          
           from
           its
           manner
           of
           operation
           ,
           is
           taken
           from
           its
           deceitfulness
           .
           It
           adds
           in
           its
           working
           ,
           deceit
           unto
           power
           .
           The
           efficacy
           of
           that
           must
           needs
           be
           great
           ,
           and
           is
           carefully
           to
           be
           watched
           against
           ,
           by
           all
           such
           as
           value
           their
           souls
           ,
           where
           power
           and
           deceit
           are
           combined
           ,
           especially
           advantaged
           and
           assisted
           by
           all
           the
           wayes
           and
           means
           before
           insisted
           on
           .
        
         
           Before
           we
           come
           to
           shew
           wherein
           the
           nature
           of
           this
           
             deceitfulness
             of
             sin
          
           doth
           consist
           ,
           and
           how
           it
           prevaileth
           thereby
           ,
           some
           testimonies
           shall
           be
           briefly
           given
           in
           unto
           the
           
             thing
             it self
          
           ,
           and
           some
           light
           into
           the
           
             general
             nature
          
           of
           it
           .
        
         
         
           That
           Sin
           ,
           Indwelling-Sin
           ,
           is
           deceitful
           ,
           we
           have
           the
           express
           Testimony
           of
           the
           
             Holy
             Ghost
          
           ,
           as
           Heb.
           3.
           13.
           
           
             Take
             heed
             that
             ye
             be
             not
             hardened
             by
             the
             deceitfulness
             of
             sin
             .
          
           Deceitful
           it
           is
           ,
           take
           heed
           of
           it
           ,
           watch
           against
           it
           ,
           or
           it
           will
           produce
           its
           utmost
           effect
           in
           
             hardening
             of
             the
             heart
          
           against
           God.
           It
           is
           on
           the
           account
           of
           sin
           ,
           that
           the
           heart
           is
           said
           to
           be
           
             deceitful
             above
             all
             things
             ,
             Jer.
          
           17.
           9.
           
           Take
           a
           man
           in
           other
           things
           ,
           and
           as
           Job
           speaks
           ,
           though
           he
           
             would
             be
             wise
             and
             crafty
             ,
             he
             is
             like
             the
             wild
             Asses
             Colt
             ,
             Job
          
           11.
           12.
           
           a
           poor
           ,
           vain
           ,
           empty
           ,
           nothing
           .
           But
           consider
           his
           heart
           on
           the
           account
           of
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin
           ,
           it
           is
           crafty
           and
           deceitful
           above
           all
           things
           ,
           
             They
             are
             wise
             to
             do
             evil
             ,
          
           saith
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           but
           to
           do
           good
           they
           know
           not
           ,
           Jer.
           4.
           22.
           
           To
           the
           same
           purpose
           speaks
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           Ephes.
           4.
           2.
           
           
             The
             old
             man
             is
             corrupt
             according
             to
             deceitful
             lusts
             .
          
           Every
           lust
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           branch
           of
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin
           ,
           is
           deceitful
           ;
           and
           where
           there
           is
           poyson
           in
           every
           stream
           ,
           the
           Fountain
           must
           needs
           be
           corrupt
           .
           No
           particular
           lust
           hath
           any
           deceit
           in
           it
           ,
           but
           what
           is
           communicated
           unto
           it
           from
           this
           Fountain
           of
           all
           actual
           lust
           ,
           this
           
             Law
             of
             Sin.
          
           And
           (
           2
           Thess.
           2.
           10.
           
           )
           the
           coming
           of
           the
           Man
           of
           Sin
           ,
           is
           said
           to
           be
           in
           and
           with
           the
           
             deceivableness
             of
             unrightcousness
          
           .
           Unrighteousness
           is
           a
           thing
           generally
           decryed
           and
           evil
           spoken
           of
           amongst
           men
           ,
           so
           that
           it
           is
           not
           easie
           to
           conceive
           how
           any
           man
           should
           prevail
           himself
           of
           a
           reputation
           thereby
           .
           But
           there
           is
           a
           deceivableness
           in
           it
           ,
           whereby
           the
           minds
           of
           men
           are
           turned
           aside
           from
           a
           due
           consideration
           of
           it
           ;
           as
           we
           shall
           manifest
           afterwards
           .
           And
           thus
           the
           account
           which
           the
           Apostle
           gives
           concerning
           those
           who
           are
           under
           the
           power
           of
           sin
           is
           ,
           
           that
           they
           are
           
             deceived
             ,
             Titus
          
           3.
           3.
           
           And
           the
           life
           of
           evil
           men
           ,
           is
           nothing
           but
           
             deceiving
             and
             being
             deceived
          
           ,
           2
           Tim.
           3.
           13.
           
           So
           that
           we
           have
           sufficient
           Testimony
           given
           unto
           this
           qualification
           of
           the
           Enemy
           with
           whom
           we
           have
           to
           deal
           ;
           he
           is
           deceitful
           ,
           which
           consideration
           of
           all
           things
           puts
           the
           mind
           of
           man
           to
           a
           loss
           in
           dealing
           with
           an
           Adversary
           .
           He
           knows
           he
           can
           have
           no
           security
           against
           one
           that
           is
           deceitful
           ,
           but
           in
           standing
           upon
           his
           own
           guard
           and
           defence
           all
           his
           dayes
           .
        
         
           Farther
           to
           manifest
           the
           strength
           and
           advantage
           that
           sin
           hath
           by
           its
           deceit
           ,
           we
           may
           observe
           that
           the
           Scripture
           places
           it
           for
           the
           most
           part
           as
           the
           head
           and
           spring
           of
           every
           sin
           ,
           even
           as
           though
           there
           were
           no
           sin
           
             followed
             after
          
           ,
           but
           where
           deceit
           went
           before
           .
           So
           1
           Tim.
           2.
           13
           ,
           14.
           
           The
           reason
           the
           Apostle
           gives
           why
           Adam
           though
           he
           was
           
             first
             formed
          
           ,
           was
           not
           
             first
             in
             the
             transgression
          
           ,
           is
           because
           he
           was
           not
           
             first
             deceived
          
           .
           The
           Woman
           though
           made
           last
           ,
           yet
           being
           
             first
             deceived
          
           ,
           was
           first
           in
           the
           sin
           .
           Even
           that
           first
           sin
           began
           in
           deceit
           ,
           and
           until
           the
           mind
           was
           deceived
           ,
           the
           soul
           was
           safe
           .
           Eve
           therefore
           did
           truly
           express
           the
           matter
           ,
           Gen.
           3.
           13.
           though
           she
           did
           it
           not
           to
           a
           good
           end
           ;
           
             the
             Serpent
             beguiled
             me
          
           ,
           saith
           she
           ,
           
             and
             I
             did
             eat
          
           .
           She
           thought
           to
           extenuate
           her
           own
           crime
           ,
           by
           charging
           the
           Serpent
           .
           And
           this
           was
           a
           new
           fruit
           of
           the
           sin
           she
           had
           cast
           her self
           into
           .
           But
           the
           matter
           of
           fact
           was
           true
           ,
           she
           was
           beguiled
           before
           she
           eat
           ;
           deceit
           went
           before
           the
           transgression
           .
           And
           the
           Apostle
           shews
           that
           Sin
           and
           Satan
           still
           take
           the
           same
           c●urse
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           11.
           3.
           
           There
           is
           saith
           he
           ,
           the
           same
           way
           of
           working
           towards
           actual
           sin
           ,
           as
           was
           of
           old
           ;
           beguiling
           ,
           deceiving
           goes
           before
           ,
           and
           sin
           that
           
           is
           the
           actual
           accomplishment
           of
           it
           followeth
           after
           .
           Hence
           all
           the
           great
           works
           that
           the
           Devil
           doth
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           to
           stir
           men
           up
           to
           an
           opposition
           unto
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           and
           his
           Kingdom
           ,
           he
           doth
           them
           by
           deceit
           ,
           Rev.
           12.
           9.
           
           
             The
             Devil
             who
             deceiveth
             the
             whole
             world
             .
          
           It
           were
           utterly
           impossible
           men
           should
           be
           prevailed
           on
           to
           abide
           in
           his
           service
           ,
           acting
           his
           designs
           to
           their
           eternal
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           their
           temporal
           ruine
           ,
           were
           they
           not
           exceedingly
           deceived
           .
           See
           also
           Chap.
           20.
           10.
           
        
         
           Hence
           are
           those
           manifold
           Cautions
           that
           are
           given
           us
           to
           take
           heed
           ,
           that
           
             we
             be
             not
             deceived
          
           ,
           if
           we
           would
           take
           heed
           that
           we
           do
           not
           sin
           .
           See
           Eph.
           5.
           6.
           1
           
           Cor.
           6.
           9.
           1
           
           Cor.
           15.
           33.
           
           Gal.
           6.
           7.
           
           Luke
           21.
           8.
           
           From
           all
           which
           testimonies
           we
           may
           learn
           the
           influence
           that
           deceit
           hath
           into
           sin
           ,
           and
           consequently
           the
           advantage
           that
           the
           
             Law
             of
             Sin
          
           hath
           to
           put
           forth
           its
           power
           by
           its
           deceitfulness
           .
           Where
           it
           prevails
           to
           deceive
           ,
           it
           fails
           not
           to
           bring
           forth
           its
           fruit
           .
        
         
           The
           ground
           of
           this
           efficacy
           of
           sin
           by
           deceit
           is
           taken
           from
           the
           
             faculty
             of
             the
             soul
          
           affected
           with
           it
           .
           Deceit
           properly
           affects
           the
           mind
           ;
           it
           is
           the
           mind
           that
           is
           deceived
           .
           When
           sin
           attempts
           any
           other
           way
           of
           entrance
           into
           the
           soul
           ,
           as
           by
           the
           Affections
           ,
           the
           mind
           retaining
           its
           right
           and
           Soveraignty
           ,
           is
           able
           to
           give
           check
           and
           controul
           unto
           it
           .
           But
           where
           the
           mind
           is
           tainted
           ,
           the
           prevalency
           must
           be
           great
           .
           For
           the
           mind
           or
           understanding
           is
           the
           leading
           faculty
           of
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           what
           that
           fixes
           on
           ,
           the
           will
           and
           affections
           rush
           after
           ,
           being
           capable
           of
           no
           consideration
           but
           what
           that
           presents
           unto
           them
           .
           Hence
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           though
           the
           entanglement
           of
           the
           Affections
           unto
           sin
           be
           oft-times
           most
           troublesome
           ,
           
           yet
           the
           deceit
           of
           the
           mind
           is
           alwayes
           most
           dangerous
           ;
           and
           that
           because
           of
           the
           place
           that
           it
           possesseth
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           as
           unto
           all
           its
           operations
           .
           It
           s
           Office
           is
           to
           
             guide
             ,
             direct
          
           ,
           choose
           and
           lead
           ;
           and
           if
           the
           light
           that
           is
           in
           us
           be
           darkness
           ,
           how
           great
           is
           that
           darkness
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           will
           farther
           appear
           ,
           if
           we
           consider
           the
           nature
           of
           deceit
           in
           general
           .
           It
           consists
           in
           presenting
           unto
           the
           soul
           ,
           or
           mind
           ,
           things
           
             otherwise
             than
             they
             are
          
           ,
           either
           in
           their
           Nature
           ,
           Causes
           ,
           Effects
           ,
           or
           present
           respect
           unto
           the
           soul.
           This
           is
           the
           general
           nature
           of
           deceit
           ,
           and
           it
           prevails
           many
           wayes
           .
           It
           hides
           what
           ought
           to
           be
           seen
           and
           considered
           ,
           conceals
           circumstances
           and
           consequences
           ,
           presents
           what
           is
           not
           ,
           or
           things
           
             as
             they
             are
             not
          
           ,
           as
           we
           shall
           afterwards
           manifest
           in
           particular
           .
           It
           was
           shewed
           before
           ,
           that
           Satan
           beguiled
           and
           deceived
           our
           first
           Parents
           ;
           that
           term
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           gives
           unto
           his
           temptation
           and
           seduction
           .
           And
           how
           he
           did
           deceive
           them
           the
           Scripture
           relates
           ,
           Gen.
           3.
           4
           ,
           5.
           
           He
           did
           it
           by
           representing
           things
           otherwise
           than
           they
           were
           .
           The
           fruit
           was
           desirable
           ,
           that
           was
           apparent
           unto
           the
           eye
           .
           Hence
           Satan
           takes
           advantage
           secretly
           to
           insinuate
           ,
           that
           it
           was
           meerly
           an
           abridgement
           of
           their
           happiness
           ,
           that
           God
           aimed
           at
           in
           forbidding
           them
           to
           eat
           of
           it
           .
           That
           it
           was
           for
           a
           tryal
           of
           their
           obedience
           ▪
           that
           certain
           though
           not
           immediate
           〈◊〉
           would
           ensue
           upon
           the
           eating
           of
           it
           ,
           he
           hides
           from
           ●●●m
           ;
           only
           he
           proposeth
           the
           present
           advantage
           of
           knowledge
           ,
           and
           so
           presents
           the
           whole
           case
           quite
           otherwise
           unto
           them
           ,
           than
           indeed
           it
           was
           .
           This
           is
           the
           ●●●re
           of
           deceit
           ;
           it
           is
           a
           Representation
           of
           a
           matter
           under
           disguises
           ,
           hiding
           that
           which
           is
           
           undesirable
           ,
           proposing
           that
           which
           indeed
           is
           not
           in
           it
           ,
           that
           the
           mind
           may
           make
           a
           false
           judgment
           of
           it
           .
           So
           Jacob
           deceived
           Isaac
           by
           his
           Brothers
           raiment
           ,
           and
           the
           skins
           on
           his
           hands
           and
           neck
           .
        
         
           Again
           ,
           Deceit
           hath
           advantage
           by
           that
           way
           of
           management
           which
           is
           inseparable
           from
           it
           .
           It
           is
           always
           carried
           on
           by
           degrees
           ,
           by
           little
           and
           little
           ,
           that
           the
           whole
           of
           the
           design
           and
           aim
           in
           hand
           be
           not
           at
           once
           discovered
           .
           So
           dealt
           Satan
           in
           that
           great
           deceit
           before-mentioned
           ;
           he
           proceeds
           in
           it
           by
           steps
           and
           degrees
           .
           First
           ,
           He
           takes
           off
           an
           objection
           ,
           and
           tells
           them
           
             they
             shall
             not
             die
          
           ;
           then
           proposeth
           
             the
             good
             of
             knowledge
             to
             them
             ,
          
           and
           their
           being
           
             like
             to
             God
          
           thereby
           .
           To
           hide
           and
           conceal
           ends
           ,
           to
           proceed
           by
           steps
           and
           degrees
           ,
           to
           make
           use
           of
           what
           is
           obtained
           ,
           and
           thence
           to
           press
           on
           to
           farther
           effects
           ,
           is
           the
           true
           nature
           of
           deceit
           .
           Steven
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           the
           
             King
             of
             Egypt
             dealt
             subtilly
          
           or
           deceitfully
           with
           their
           
             kindred
             ,
             Acts
          
           7.
           19.
           
           How
           he
           did
           it
           we
           may
           see
           ,
           Exod.
           1.
           he
           did
           not
           at
           first
           fall
           to
           killing
           and
           slaying
           of
           them
           ,
           but
           says
           ,
           vers
           .
           10.
           
           Come
           ,
           let
           us
           
             deal
             wisely
          
           ;
           beginning
           to
           oppress
           them
           .
           This
           brings
           forth
           their
           
             bondage
             ,
             ver
          
           .
           11.
           
           Having
           got
           this
           ground
           to
           make
           them
           slaves
           ,
           he
           proceeds
           to
           
             destroy
             their
             children
             ,
             ver
          
           .
           16.
           
           He
           fell
           not
           on
           them
           all
           at
           once
           ,
           but
           by
           degrees
           .
           And
           this
           may
           suffice
           to
           shew
           in
           general
           ,
           that
           sin
           is
           deceitful
           ,
           and
           the
           advantages
           that
           it
           hath
           thereby
           .
        
         
           For
           the
           Way
           ,
           and
           Manner
           ,
           and
           Progress
           of
           sin
           in
           working
           by
           deceit
           ,
           we
           have
           it
           fully
           expressed
           ,
           James
           1.
           14
           ,
           15.
           
           
             Every
             man
             is
             tempted
             when
             he
             is
             drawn
             away
             of
             his
             own
             lust
             and
             enticed
             ,
             then
             when
             lust
             hath
             conceived
             it
             bringeth
             forth
             sin
             ,
             and
             sin
             
             when
             it
             is
             finished
             bringeth
             forth
             death
             .
          
           This
           place
           declaring
           the
           whole
           of
           what
           we
           aim
           at
           in
           this
           matter
           ,
           must
           be
           particularly
           insisted
           on
           .
        
         
           In
           the
           
             foregoing
             verse
          
           ,
           the
           Apostle
           manifests
           that
           men
           are
           willing
           to
           drive
           the
           
             old
             trade
          
           ,
           which
           our
           first
           Parents
           at
           the
           entrance
           of
           sin
           
             set
             up
          
           withall
           ,
           namely
           of
           excusing
           themselves
           in
           their
           sins
           ,
           and
           casting
           the
           occasion
           and
           blame
           of
           them
           on
           others
           .
           It
           is
           not
           ,
           say
           they
           ,
           from
           themselves
           ,
           their
           own
           nature
           and
           inclinations
           ,
           their
           own
           designings
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           committed
           such
           and
           such
           evils
           ,
           but
           meerly
           from
           their
           temptations
           .
           And
           if
           they
           know
           not
           where
           to
           fix
           the
           evil
           of
           those
           temptations
           ,
           they
           will
           lay
           them
           on
           God
           himself
           ,
           rather
           than
           go
           without
           an
           excuse
           or
           extenuation
           of
           their
           guilt
           .
           This
           evil
           in
           the
           hearts
           of
           men
           the
           Apostle
           rebuketh
           ,
           verse
           13.
           
           
             Let
             no
             man
             say
             when
             he
             is
             tempted
             ,
             I
             am
             tempted
             of
             God
             ;
             for
             God
             cannot
             be
             tempted
             of
             evil
             ,
             neither
             tempteth
             he
             any
             man.
          
           And
           to
           shew
           the
           justness
           of
           this
           reproof
           in
           the
           words
           mentioned
           ,
           he
           discovers
           the
           true
           causes
           of
           the
           rise
           and
           whole
           progress
           of
           sin
           ,
           manifesting
           that
           the
           whole
           guilt
           of
           it
           lies
           upon
           the
           sinner
           ,
           and
           that
           the
           whole
           punishment
           of
           it
           ,
           if
           not
           graciously
           prevented
           ,
           will
           be
           his
           lot
           also
           .
        
         
           We
           have
           therefore
           ,
           as
           was
           said
           ,
           in
           these
           words
           the
           whole
           progress
           of
           lust
           or
           indwelling-sin
           ,
           by
           the
           way
           of
           subtilty
           ,
           fraud
           and
           deceit
           ,
           expressed
           and
           limited
           by
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           .
           And
           from
           hence
           we
           shall
           manifest
           the
           particular
           ways
           and
           means
           whereby
           it
           puts
           forth
           its
           power
           and
           efficacy
           in
           the
           hearts
           of
           men
           by
           deceitfulness
           and
           subtilty
           ;
           and
           we
           may
           observe
           in
           the
           words
           ,
        
         
         
           First
           ,
           The
           utmost
           End
           aimed
           at
           in
           all
           the
           actings
           of
           sin
           ,
           or
           the
           tendency
           of
           it
           in
           its
           own
           nature
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           
             death
             :
             Sin
             when
             it
             is
             finished
             bringeth
             forth
             death
          
           ;
           the
           everlasting
           death
           of
           the
           sinner
           :
           pretend
           what
           it
           will
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           end
           it
           aims
           at
           and
           tends
           unto
           .
           Hiding
           of
           ends
           and
           designs
           ,
           is
           the
           principal
           property
           of
           deceit
           .
           This
           sin
           doth
           to
           the
           utmost
           ;
           other
           things
           innumerable
           it
           pleads
           ,
           but
           not
           once
           declares
           that
           it
           aims
           at
           the
           death
           ,
           the
           everlasting
           death
           of
           the
           soul.
           And
           a
           fixed
           apprehension
           of
           this
           end
           of
           every
           sin
           ,
           is
           a
           blessed
           means
           to
           prevent
           its
           prevalency
           in
           its
           way
           of
           deceit
           or
           beguiling
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           The
           general
           way
           of
           its
           acting
           towards
           that
           end
           ,
           is
           by
           
             Temptation
             ;
             Every
             man
             is
             tempted
             of
             his
             own
             lust
             .
          
           I
           purpose
           not
           to
           speak
           in
           general
           of
           the
           nature
           of
           Temptations
           ,
           it
           belongs
           not
           unto
           our
           present
           purpose
           ,
           and
           besides
           I
           have
           done
           it
           elsewhere
           .
           It
           may
           suffice
           at
           present
           to
           observe
           ,
           that
           the
           life
           of
           temptation
           lies
           in
           deceit
           .
           So
           that
           in
           the
           business
           of
           sin
           ,
           to
           be
           effectually
           tempted
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           beguiled
           or
           deceived
           ,
           are
           the
           same
           .
           Thus
           it
           was
           in
           the
           first
           temptation
           ,
           it
           is
           every
           where
           called
           the
           Serpents
           beguiling
           or
           deceiving
           ,
           as
           was
           manifested
           before
           :
           
             The
             Serpent
             beguiled
             Eve
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           prevailed
           by
           his
           temptations
           upon
           her
           .
           So
           that
           every
           man
           is
           tempted
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           every
           man
           is
           beguiled
           or
           deceived
           by
           his
           own
           lust
           ,
           or
           indwelling-sin
           ,
           which
           we
           have
           often
           declared
           to
           be
           the
           same
           .
        
         
           The
           Degrees
           whereby
           sin
           proceedeth
           in
           this
           work
           of
           tempting
           or
           deceiving
           ,
           are
           five
           .
           For
           we
           shewed
           before
           ,
           that
           this
           belongs
           unto
           the
           nature
           of
           deceit
           that
           it
           works
           by
           degrees
           ,
           making
           its
           advantage
           by
           one
           step
           to
           gain
           another
           .
        
         
         
           The
           first
           of
           these
           consists
           in
           drawing
           off
           ,
           or
           drawing
           away
           ;
           
             Every
             man
             is
             tempted
             when
             he
             is
             drawn
             away
             of
             his
             own
             lust
             .
          
        
         
           The
           second
           is
           in
           enticing
           ;
           
             and
             is
             enticed
          
           .
        
         
           The
           third
           ,
           in
           the
           conception
           of
           sin
           ;
           
             when
             lust
             hath
             conceived
          
           ,
           when
           the
           heart
           is
           enticed
           ,
           then
           lust
           conceives
           in
           it
           .
        
         
           The
           fourth
           is
           the
           bringing
           forth
           of
           sin
           in
           its
           actual
           accomplishment
           ,
           
             When
             lust
             hath
             conceived
             it
             brings
             forth
             sin
             .
          
           In
           all
           which
           there
           is
           a
           secret
           allusion
           to
           an
           adulterous
           deviation
           from
           conjugal
           duties
           ,
           and
           conceiving
           or
           bringing
           forth
           children
           of
           whoredom
           and
           fornication
           .
        
         
           The
           fifth
           is
           ,
           the
           
             finishing
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           the
           compleating
           of
           it
           ,
           the
           filling
           up
           of
           the
           measure
           of
           it
           ,
           whereby
           the
           end
           originally
           designed
           by
           lust
           is
           brought
           about
           :
           
             Sin
             when
             it
             is
             finished
             bringeth
             forth
             death
             .
          
           As
           lust
           conceiving
           ,
           naturally
           and
           necessarily
           bringeth
           forth
           sin
           ,
           so
           sin
           finished
           ,
           infallibly
           procureth
           eternal
           death
           .
        
         
           The
           first
           of
           these
           relates
           to
           the
           Mind
           ;
           that
           is
           drawn
           off
           ,
           or
           drawn
           away
           by
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           .
           The
           second
           unto
           the
           Affections
           ,
           they
           are
           enticed
           or
           intangled
           .
           The
           third
           to
           the
           Will
           ,
           wherein
           sin
           is
           conceived
           ;
           the
           consent
           of
           the
           Will
           being
           the
           formal
           conception
           of
           actual
           sin
           .
           The
           fourth
           to
           the
           Conversation
           ,
           wherein
           sin
           is
           
             brought
             forth
          
           ;
           it
           exerts
           it self
           in
           the
           lives
           and
           courses
           of
           men
           .
           The
           fifth
           respects
           an
           
             obdurate
             course
          
           in
           sinning
           ,
           that
           finisheth
           ,
           consummates
           ,
           and
           shuts
           up
           the
           whole
           work
           of
           sin
           ,
           whereon
           ensues
           death
           or
           eternal
           ruine
           .
        
         
           I
           shall
           principally
           consider
           the
           
             three
             first
          
           ,
           wherein
           the
           main
           stength
           of
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           doth
           lie
           ,
           and
           that
           because
           in
           Believers
           ,
           whose
           state
           and
           condition
           
           is
           principally
           proposed
           to
           consideration
           ,
           God
           is
           pleased
           ,
           for
           the
           most
           part
           ,
           graciously
           to
           prevent
           the
           
             fourth
             instance
          
           ,
           or
           
             the
             bringing
             forth
             of
             actual
             sins
          
           in
           their
           conversations
           ;
           And
           the
           last
           alwaies
           and
           wholly
           ,
           or
           their
           being
           obdurate
           in
           a
           course
           of
           sin
           to
           the
           finishing
           of
           it
           .
           What
           waies
           God
           in
           his
           grace
           and
           faithfulness
           makes
           use
           of
           to
           
             stifle
             the
             conceptions
             of
             sin
          
           in
           the
           womb
           ,
           and
           to
           hinder
           its
           actual
           production
           in
           the
           lives
           of
           men
           ,
           must
           afterwards
           be
           spoken
           unto
           .
           The
           
             first
             three
             instances
          
           then
           we
           shall
           insist
           upon
           fully
           ,
           as
           those
           wherein
           the
           principal
           concernment
           of
           Believers
           in
           this
           matter
           doth
           lie
           .
        
         
           The
           first
           thing
           which
           sin
           is
           said
           to
           do
           ,
           working
           in
           a
           way
           of
           deceit
           ,
           is
           to
           draw
           away
           ,
           or
           to
           draw
           off
           ;
           whence
           a
           man
           is
           said
           to
           be
           
             drawn
             off
          
           ,
           or
           
             drawn
             away
          
           and
           diverted
           ,
           namely
           from
           attending
           unto
           that
           course
           of
           obedience
           and
           holiness
           ,
           which
           ,
           in
           opposition
           unto
           sin
           and
           the
           Law
           thereof
           ,
           he
           is
           bound
           with
           diligence
           to
           attend
           unto
           .
        
         
           Now
           it
           is
           the
           Mind
           that
           this
           effect
           of
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           is
           wrought
           upon
           .
           The
           Mind
           or
           Understanding
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           shewed
           ,
           is
           the
           guiding
           ,
           conducting
           faculty
           of
           the
           soul
           ;
           it
           goes
           before
           in
           discerning
           ,
           judging
           ,
           and
           determining
           to
           make
           the
           way
           of
           moral
           actions
           fair
           and
           smooth
           to
           the
           Will
           and
           Affections
           .
           It
           is
           to
           the
           soul
           ,
           what
           Moses
           told
           his
           Father-in-law
           that
           he
           might
           be
           to
           the
           People
           in
           the
           Wilderness
           ,
           as
           
             eyes
             to
             guide
             them
          
           ,
           and
           keep
           them
           from
           wandering
           in
           that
           desolate
           place
           .
           It
           is
           the
           eye
           of
           the
           soul
           ,
           without
           whose
           guidance
           the
           Will
           and
           Affections
           would
           perpetually
           wander
           in
           the
           Wilderness
           of
           this
           world
           ,
           according
           as
           any
           object
           ,
           with
           an
           appearing
           
             present
             Good
          
           ,
           did
           offer
           or
           present
           it self
           unto
           them
           .
        
         
         
           The
           first
           thing
           therefore
           that
           sin
           aims
           at
           in
           its
           
             deceitful
             working
          
           ,
           is
           to
           draw
           off
           and
           divert
           the
           mind
           from
           the
           discharge
           of
           its
           duty
           .
        
         
           There
           are
           two
           things
           which
           belong
           unto
           the
           duty
           of
           the
           mind
           ,
           in
           that
           
             special
             office
          
           which
           it
           hath
           in
           and
           about
           the
           obedience
           which
           God
           requireth
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           To
           keep
           it self
           and
           the
           whole
           soul
           in
           such
           a
           frame
           and
           posture
           ,
           as
           may
           render
           it
           ready
           unto
           all
           duties
           of
           obedience
           ,
           and
           watchful
           against
           all
           inticements
           unto
           the
           conception
           of
           sin
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           In
           particular
           carefully
           to
           attend
           unto
           all
           particular
           actions
           ,
           that
           they
           be
           performed
           as
           God
           requireth
           ,
           for
           matter
           ,
           manner
           ,
           time
           and
           season
           ,
           agreeable
           unto
           his
           Will
           ,
           as
           also
           for
           the
           obviating
           all
           particular
           tenders
           of
           sin
           in
           things
           forbidden
           .
           In
           these
           two
           things
           consists
           the
           whole
           duty
           of
           the
           mind
           of
           a
           Believer
           .
           And
           from
           both
           of
           them
           doth
           Indwelling-sin
           endeavour
           to
           divert
           it
           ,
           and
           draw
           it
           off
           .
        
         
           The
           first
           of
           these
           is
           ,
           the
           duty
           of
           the
           mind
           ,
           in
           reference
           unto
           the
           general
           frame
           and
           course
           of
           the
           whole
           soul
           ;
           and
           hereof
           two
           things
           may
           be
           considered
           .
           First
           ,
           That
           it
           is
           founded
           in
           a
           due
           constant
           consideration
           ;
           1.
           
           Of
           our selves
           ,
           of
           sin
           and
           its
           vileness
           .
           2.
           
           Of
           God
           ,
           of
           his
           grace
           and
           goodness
           .
           And
           both
           these
           doth
           sin
           labour
           to
           draw
           it
           off
           from
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           In
           attending
           to
           those
           Duties
           which
           are
           suited
           to
           obviate
           the
           working
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           ,
           in
           an
           especial
           manner
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           It
           endeavours
           to
           draw
           it
           off
           from
           a
           due
           consideration
           ,
           apprehension
           and
           sensibleness
           of
           its
           own
           vileness
           ,
           and
           the
           danger
           wherewith
           it
           is
           attended
           .
           This
           in
           the
           first
           place
           we
           shall
           instance
           in
           .
           
           A
           due
           constant
           consideration
           of
           sin
           in
           its
           nature
           ,
           in
           all
           its
           aggravating
           circumstances
           ,
           in
           its
           end
           and
           tendency
           ,
           especially
           as
           represented
           in
           the
           Blood
           and
           Cross
           of
           Christ
           ought
           alwaies
           to
           abide
           with
           us
           .
           Jer.
           2.
           19.
           
           
             Know
             therefore
             and
             see
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             an
             evil
             thing
             and
             a
             bitter
             ,
             that
             thou
             hast
             for
             saken
             the
             Lord
             thy
             God.
          
           Every
           sin
           is
           a
           forsaking
           of
           the
           Lord
           our
           God.
           If
           the
           heart
           know
           not
           ,
           if
           it
           consider
           not
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           an
           evil
           thing
           and
           a
           bitter
           ,
           evil
           in
           it self
           ,
           bitter
           in
           its
           effects
           ,
           fruit
           and
           event
           ,
           it
           will
           never
           be
           secured
           against
           it
           .
           Besides
           ,
           that
           frame
           of
           heart
           which
           is
           most
           accepted
           with
           God
           in
           any
           sinner
           ,
           is
           the
           humble
           ,
           contrite
           ,
           self-abasing
           frame
           :
           Isa.
           57.
           15.
           
           
             Thus
             saith
             the
             high
             and
             losty
             one
             that
             inhabiteth
             eternity
             ,
             whose
             name
             is
             holy
             ,
             I
             dwell
             in
             the
             high
             and
             holy
             place
             ,
             with
             him
             also
             that
             is
             of
             a
             contrite
             and
             humble
             spirit
             :
             to
             revive
             the
             spirit
             of
             the
             humble
             ,
             to
             revive
             the
             spirit
             of
             the
             contrite
             ones
             .
          
           See
           also
           Luk.
           18.
           13
           ,
           14.
           
           This
           becomes
           a
           sinner
           ,
           no
           garment
           sits
           so
           decently
           about
           him
           .
           
             Be
             cloathed
             with
             humility
          
           ,
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           1
           Pet.
           5.
           5.
           
           It
           is
           that
           which
           becomes
           us
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           the
           only
           safe
           frame
           .
           He
           that
           walketh
           humbly
           walketh
           safely
           .
           This
           is
           the
           design
           of
           Peters
           advice
           ,
           1
           Epist.
           1.
           17.
           
           
             Pass
             the
             time
             of
             your
             sojourning
             here
             in
             fear
             .
          
           After
           that
           he
           himself
           had
           miscarried
           by
           another
           frame
           of
           mind
           ,
           he
           gives
           this
           advice
           to
           all
           Believers
           ;
           It
           is
           not
           a
           bondage
           ,
           servile
           fear
           ,
           disquieting
           and
           perplexing
           the
           soul
           ,
           but
           such
           a
           fear
           as
           may
           keep
           men
           constantly
           
             calling
             upon
             the
             Father
          
           ,
           with
           reference
           unto
           the
           final
           judgement
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           be
           preserved
           from
           sin
           ,
           whereof
           they
           were
           in
           so
           great
           danger
           ,
           which
           he
           advises
           them
           unto
           .
           
             If
             ye
             call
             on
             the
             Father
             ,
             who
             without
             respect
             of
             
             persons
             judgeth
             according
             to
             every
             mans
             work
             ,
             pass
             the
             time
             of
             your
             sojourning
             here
             in
             fear
             .
          
           This
           is
           the
           humble
           frame
           of
           soul
           ▪
           and
           how
           is
           this
           obtained
           ?
           how
           is
           this
           preserved
           ?
           No
           otherwise
           but
           by
           a
           constant
           deep
           apprehension
           of
           the
           evil
           ,
           vileness
           ,
           and
           danger
           of
           sin
           .
           So
           was
           it
           wrought
           ,
           so
           was
           it
           kept
           up
           in
           the
           approved
           Publican
           :
           
             God
             be
             merciful
          
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             to
             me
             a
             sinner
          
           :
           Sense
           of
           sin
           kept
           him
           humble
           ,
           and
           humility
           made
           way
           for
           his
           access
           unto
           a
           testimony
           of
           the
           pardon
           of
           sin
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           is
           the
           great
           preservative
           through
           grace
           from
           sin
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           an
           example
           in
           the
           instance
           of
           
             Joseph
             ,
             Gen.
          
           39.
           9.
           
           Upon
           the
           urgency
           of
           his
           great
           temptation
           ,
           he
           recoils
           immediately
           into
           this
           frame
           of
           spirit
           ;
           How
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           can
           I
           do
           this
           thing
           ,
           
             and
             sin
             against
             God
          
           ?
           A
           constant
           steady
           sense
           of
           the
           evil
           of
           sin
           ,
           gives
           him
           such
           preservation
           ,
           that
           he
           ventures
           Liberty
           and
           Life
           in
           opposition
           to
           it
           .
           To
           fear
           sin
           ,
           is
           to
           fear
           the
           Lord
           ;
           so
           the
           holy
           man
           tells
           us
           that
           they
           are
           the
           same
           ,
           Job
           28.
           28.
           
           
             The
             fear
             of
             the
             Lord
             that
             is
             wisdom
             ,
             and
             to
             depart
             from
             iniquity
             that
             is
             understanding
             .
          
        
         
           This
           therefore
           in
           the
           first
           place
           ,
           in
           general
           ,
           doth
           the
           
             Law
             of
             sin
          
           put
           forth
           its
           deceit
           about
           ,
           namely
           to
           draw
           the
           mind
           from
           this
           frame
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           strongest
           fort
           of
           the
           souls
           defence
           and
           security
           .
           It
           labours
           to
           divert
           the
           mind
           from
           a
           due
           apprehension
           of
           the
           vileness
           ,
           abomination
           ,
           and
           danger
           of
           sin
           .
           It
           secretly
           and
           insensibly
           insinuates
           lessening
           ,
           excusing
           ,
           extenuating
           thoughts
           of
           it
           ;
           or
           it
           draws
           it
           off
           from
           pondering
           upon
           it
           ,
           from
           being
           conversant
           about
           it
           in
           its
           thoughts
           so
           much
           as
           it
           ought
           ,
           and
           formerly
           hath
           been
           .
           And
           if
           after
           the
           
           heart
           of
           a
           man
           hath
           through
           the
           Word
           ,
           Spirit
           and
           Grace
           of
           Christ
           been
           made
           tender
           ,
           soft
           ,
           deeply
           sensible
           of
           sin
           ,
           it
           becomes
           on
           any
           account
           ,
           or
           by
           any
           means
           whatever
           to
           have
           less
           ,
           sewer
           ,
           slighter
           ,
           or
           less
           affecting
           thoughts
           of
           it
           ,
           or
           about
           it
           ,
           the
           mind
           of
           that
           man
           is
           
             drawn
             away
          
           by
           the
           
             deceitfulness
             of
             sin
          
           .
        
         
           There
           are
           two
           wayes
           amongst
           others
           ,
           whereby
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           endeavours
           deceitfully
           to
           draw
           off
           the
           mind
           from
           this
           duty
           ,
           and
           frame
           ensuing
           thereon
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           It
           doth
           it
           by
           an
           horrible
           
             abuse
             of
             Gospel-grace
          
           .
           There
           is
           in
           the
           Gospel
           a
           remedy
           provided
           against
           the
           whole
           evil
           of
           sin
           ,
           the
           filth
           ,
           the
           guilt
           of
           it
           ,
           with
           all
           its
           dangerous
           consequents
           .
           It
           is
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           deliverance
           of
           the
           souls
           of
           men
           from
           sin
           and
           death
           .
           A
           discovery
           of
           the
           gracious
           will
           of
           God
           towards
           sinners
           by
           Jesus
           Christ.
           What
           now
           is
           the
           genuine
           tendency
           of
           this
           doctrine
           ,
           of
           this
           discovery
           of
           grace
           ,
           and
           what
           ought
           we
           to
           use
           it
           and
           improve
           it
           unto
           ?
           This
           the
           Apostle
           declares
           ,
           Tit.
           2.
           11
           ,
           12.
           
           
             The
             grace
             of
             God
             that
             bringeth
             salvation
             ,
             hath
             appeared
             to
             all
             men
             ,
             teaching
             us
             ,
             that
             denying
             ungodliness
             and
             worldly
             lusts
             ,
             we
             should
             live
             soberly
             ,
             righteously
             ,
             and
             godly
             in
             this
             present
             world
             .
          
           This
           it
           teacheth
           ,
           this
           we
           ought
           to
           learn
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           by
           it
           .
           Hence
           
             Vniversal
             holiness
          
           is
           called
           a
           
             conversation
             that
             becometh
             the
             Gospel
          
           ,
           Phil.
           1.
           27.
           
           It
           becomes
           it
           as
           that
           which
           is
           answerable
           unto
           its
           end
           ,
           aim
           ,
           and
           design
           ,
           as
           that
           which
           it
           requires
           ,
           and
           which
           it
           ought
           to
           be
           improved
           unto
           .
           And
           accordingly
           it
           doth
           produce
           this
           effect
           where
           the
           word
           of
           it
           is
           received
           and
           preserved
           
           in
           a
           saving
           light
           ,
           Rom.
           12.
           2.
           
           Ephes.
           4.
           20
           ,
           21
           ,
           22
           ,
           23
           ,
           24.
           
           But
           herein
           doth
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           interpose
           it self
           .
           It
           separates
           between
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           the
           use
           and
           end
           of
           it
           .
           It
           stayes
           upon
           its
           notions
           ,
           and
           intercepts
           its
           influences
           in
           its
           proper
           application
           .
           From
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           
             assured
             pardon
          
           of
           sin
           ,
           it
           insinuates
           a
           regardlesness
           of
           sin
           .
           God
           in
           Christ
           makes
           the
           proposition
           ,
           and
           Satan
           and
           Sin
           make
           the
           conclusion
           .
           For
           that
           the
           deceitfulness
           of
           sin
           is
           apt
           to
           plead
           unto
           a
           regardlesness
           of
           it
           from
           the
           grace
           of
           God
           whereby
           it
           is
           pardoned
           ,
           the
           Apostle
           declares
           in
           his
           reproof
           and
           detestation
           of
           such
           an
           insinuation
           ,
           Rom.
           6.
           1.
           
           
             What
             shall
             we
             say
             then
             ,
             shall
             we
             continue
             in
             sin
             ,
             that
             grace
             may
             abound
             ?
             God
             forbid
             .
          
           Mens
           deceitful
           hearts
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           are
           apt
           to
           make
           that
           conclusion
           ;
           but
           far
           be
           it
           from
           us
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           give
           any
           entertainment
           unto
           it
           .
           But
           yet
           that
           some
           have
           evidently
           improved
           that
           deceit
           unto
           their
           own
           eternal
           ruine
           ,
           Jude
           declares
           ,
           ver
           .
           4.
           
           
             Vngodly
             men
             ,
             turning
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             into
             lasciviousness
             .
          
           And
           we
           have
           had
           dreadful
           instances
           of
           it
           in
           the
           daies
           of
           temptation
           wherein
           we
           have
           lived
           .
        
         
           Indeed
           in
           opposition
           unto
           this
           deceit
           lies
           much
           of
           the
           Wisdom
           of
           faith
           ,
           and
           power
           of
           Gospel-Grace
           .
           When
           the
           mind
           is
           fully
           possessed
           with
           ,
           and
           cast
           habitually
           and
           firmly
           into
           the
           mould
           of
           the
           notion
           and
           Doctrine
           of
           Gospel-Truth
           about
           the
           full
           and
           free
           forgiveness
           of
           all
           sins
           in
           the
           blood
           of
           Christ
           ,
           then
           to
           be
           able
           to
           keep
           the
           heart
           alwaies
           in
           a
           deep
           humbling
           sense
           of
           sin
           ,
           abhorrency
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           self-abasement
           for
           it
           ,
           is
           a
           great
           effect
           of
           Gospel-Wisdom
           and
           Grace
           .
           This
           is
           the
           
           tryal
           and
           touchstone
           of
           Gospel
           -
           Light.
           If
           it
           keep
           the
           heart
           sensible
           of
           sin
           ,
           humble
           ,
           lowly
           ,
           and
           broken
           on
           that
           account
           ;
           If
           it
           teach
           us
           to
           water
           a
           free
           pardon
           with
           tears
           ,
           to
           detest
           forgiven
           sin
           ,
           to
           watch
           diligently
           for
           the
           ruine
           of
           that
           ,
           which
           we
           are
           yet
           assured
           ,
           shall
           never
           ruine
           us
           ,
           it
           is
           Divine
           ,
           from
           above
           ,
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Grace
           .
           If
           it
           secretly
           and
           insensibly
           make
           men
           loose
           and
           slight
           in
           their
           thoughts
           about
           sin
           ,
           it
           is
           adulterate
           ,
           selfish
           ,
           false
           .
           If
           it
           will
           be
           all
           ,
           answer
           all
           ends
           ,
           it
           is
           nothing
           .
        
         
           Hence
           it
           comes
           to
           pass
           ,
           that
           sometimes
           we
           see
           men
           walking
           in
           a
           
             bondage-frame
             of
             Spirit
          
           all
           their
           daies
           ,
           low
           in
           their
           light
           ,
           mean
           in
           their
           apprehensions
           of
           Grace
           ,
           so
           that
           it
           is
           hard
           to
           discern
           whether
           Covenant
           in
           their
           Principles
           they
           belong
           unto
           ;
           whether
           they
           are
           under
           the
           Law
           ,
           or
           under
           Grace
           ,
           yet
           walk
           with
           a
           more
           conscientious
           tenderness
           of
           sinning
           ,
           than
           many
           who
           are
           advanced
           into
           higher
           degrees
           of
           light
           and
           knowledge
           than
           they
           .
           Not
           that
           the
           saving
           light
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           is
           not
           the
           
             only
             Principle
          
           of
           saving
           holiness
           and
           obedience
           ;
           but
           that
           through
           the
           deceitfulness
           of
           sin
           it
           is
           variously
           abused
           to
           counteance
           the
           soul
           in
           manifold
           neglect
           of
           duties
           ,
           and
           to
           draw
           off
           the
           mind
           from
           a
           due
           consideration
           of
           the
           nature
           ,
           desert
           and
           danger
           of
           sin
           .
           And
           this
           is
           done
           several
           waies
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           The
           soul
           having
           frequent
           need
           of
           relief
           by
           Gospel-Grace
           against
           a
           sense
           of
           the
           guilt
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           Accusation
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           comes
           at
           length
           to
           make
           it
           a
           
             common
             and
             ordinary
             thing
          
           ,
           and
           such
           as
           may
           be
           slightly
           performed
           .
           Having
           found
           a
           good
           medicine
           for
           its
           wounds
           ,
           and
           such
           as
           it
           hath
           had
           experience
           of
           its
           efficacy
           ,
           it
           comes
           to
           apply
           it
           
           slightly
           ,
           and
           rather
           skinneth
           over
           ,
           than
           cureth
           its
           sores
           .
           A
           little
           less
           earnestness
           ,
           a
           little
           less
           diligence
           serves
           every
           time
           ,
           until
           the
           soul
           it
           may
           be
           begins
           to
           secure
           it self
           of
           
             pardom
             in
             course
          
           .
           And
           this
           tends
           directly
           to
           
             draw
             off
             the
             mind
          
           from
           its
           constant
           and
           universal
           watchfulness
           against
           sin
           .
           He
           whose
           light
           hath
           made
           his
           way
           of
           access
           plain
           for
           the
           obtaining
           of
           pardon
           ,
           if
           he
           be
           not
           very
           watchful
           ,
           he
           is
           far
           more
           apt
           to
           become
           overly
           ,
           formal
           ,
           and
           careless
           in
           his
           work
           ,
           than
           he
           who
           by
           reason
           of
           mists
           and
           darkness
           ,
           beats
           about
           to
           find
           his
           way
           aright
           to
           the
           Throne
           of
           Grace
           .
           As
           a
           Man
           that
           hath
           often
           travelled
           a
           Road
           passed
           on
           without
           regard
           or
           enquiry
           ;
           but
           he
           who
           is
           a
           stranger
           unto
           it
           observing
           all
           turnings
           ,
           and
           enquiring
           of
           all
           Passengers
           ,
           secures
           his
           Journey
           beyond
           the
           other
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           The
           
             deceitfulness
             of
             sin
          
           takes
           advantage
           from
           the
           
             Doctrine
             of
             Grace
          
           ,
           by
           many
           waies
           and
           means
           to
           extend
           the
           bounds
           of
           the
           souls
           liberty
           beyond
           what
           God
           hath
           assigned
           unto
           it
           .
           Some
           have
           never
           thought
           themselves
           free
           from
           a
           legal
           bondage-frame
           ,
           until
           they
           have
           been
           brought
           into
           the
           confines
           of
           sensuality
           ,
           and
           some
           into
           the
           depths
           of
           it
           .
           How
           often
           will
           sin
           plead
           ,
           this
           strictness
           ,
           this
           exactness
           ,
           this
           solicitude
           is
           no
           waies
           needful
           ;
           relief
           is
           provided
           in
           the
           Gospel
           against
           such
           things
           .
           Would
           you
           live
           as
           though
           there
           were
           no
           need
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ?
           as
           though
           pardon
           of
           sin
           were
           to
           no
           purpose
           ?
           But
           concerning
           these
           pleas
           of
           sin
           from
           Gospel-Grace
           ,
           we
           shall
           have
           occasion
           to
           speak
           more
           hereafter
           in
           particular
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           In
           times
           of
           temptation
           this
           deceitfulness
           of
           sin
           ,
           will
           argue
           expresly
           
             for
             sin
          
           from
           Gospel-Grace
           ;
           
           at
           least
           it
           will
           plead
           for
           these
           two
           things
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           there
           is
           not
           need
           of
           such
           a
           tenacious
           severe
           contending
           against
           it
           ,
           as
           the
           principle
           of
           the
           
             new
             Creature
          
           is
           fixed
           on
           .
           If
           it
           cannot
           divert
           the
           soul
           or
           mind
           wholly
           from
           attending
           unto
           temptations
           to
           oppose
           them
           ,
           yet
           it
           will
           endeavour
           to
           draw
           them
           off
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           manner
           of
           their
           attendance
           .
           They
           need
           not
           use
           that
           diligence
           which
           at
           first
           the
           soul
           apprehends
           to
           be
           necessary
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           will
           be
           tendering
           relief
           as
           to
           the
           event
           of
           sin
           ,
           that
           it
           shall
           not
           turn
           to
           the
           ruine
           or
           destruction
           of
           the
           soul
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           ,
           it
           will
           ,
           or
           may
           be
           pardoned
           by
           the
           Grace
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
           And
           this
           is
           true
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           great
           and
           only
           relief
           of
           the
           soul
           against
           sin
           ,
           the
           guilt
           whereof
           it
           hath
           contracted
           already
           ;
           the
           blessed
           and
           only
           remedy
           for
           a
           guilty
           soul.
           But
           when
           it
           is
           pleaded
           and
           remembred
           by
           the
           deceitfulness
           of
           sin
           in
           complyance
           with
           temptation
           unto
           sin
           ,
           then
           it
           is
           poyson
           ;
           poyson
           is
           mixed
           in
           every
           drop
           of
           this
           balsom
           ,
           to
           the
           danger
           ,
           if
           not
           death
           of
           the
           soul.
           And
           this
           is
           the
           first
           way
           whereby
           the
           
             deceitfulness
             of
             sin
          
           draws
           off
           the
           mind
           from
           a
           due
           attendance
           unto
           that
           sense
           of
           its
           vileness
           ,
           which
           alone
           is
           able
           to
           keep
           it
           in
           that
           humble
           ,
           self-abased
           frame
           that
           is
           acceptable
           with
           God.
           It
           makes
           the
           mind
           careless
           ,
           as
           though
           its
           work
           were
           needless
           ,
           because
           of
           the
           abounding
           of
           Grace
           ;
           which
           is
           a
           Souldiers
           neglect
           of
           his
           station
           trusting
           to
           a
           reserve
           ,
           provided
           indeed
           only
           in
           case
           of
           keeping
           his
           own
           proper
           place
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Sin
           takes
           advantage
           to
           work
           by
           its
           
           deceit
           in
           this
           matter
           of
           
             drawing
             off
             the
             mind
          
           from
           a
           due
           sense
           of
           it
           ,
           from
           the
           state
           and
           condition
           of
           men
           in
           the
           world
           .
           I
           shall
           give
           only
           one
           instance
           of
           its
           procedure
           in
           this
           kind
           .
           Men
           in
           their
           younger
           daies
           have
           naturally
           their
           affections
           more
           quick
           ,
           vigorous
           and
           active
           ,
           more
           sensibly
           working
           in
           them
           ,
           than
           afterwards
           .
           They
           do
           as
           to
           their
           sensible
           working
           and
           operation
           naturally
           decay
           ,
           and
           many
           things
           befall
           men
           in
           their
           lives
           ,
           that
           take
           off
           the
           edge
           and
           keenness
           of
           them
           .
           But
           as
           men
           lose
           in
           their
           Affections
           ,
           if
           they
           are
           not
           besotted
           in
           sensuality
           ,
           or
           by
           the
           corruptions
           that
           are
           in
           the
           world
           through
           lust
           ,
           they
           grow
           and
           improve
           in
           their
           Understandings
           ,
           Resolutions
           ,
           and
           Judgements
           .
           Hence
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           if
           what
           had
           place
           formerly
           in
           their
           Affections
           ,
           do
           not
           take
           place
           in
           their
           minds
           and
           judgements
           ,
           they
           utterly
           lose
           them
           ,
           they
           have
           no
           more
           place
           in
           their
           souls
           .
           Thus
           men
           have
           no
           regard
           for
           ,
           yea
           ,
           they
           utterly
           despise
           those
           things
           which
           their
           Affections
           were
           set
           upon
           with
           delight
           and
           greediness
           in
           their
           Childhood
           .
           But
           if
           they
           are
           things
           that
           by
           any
           means
           come
           to
           be
           fixed
           in
           their
           Minds
           and
           Judgements
           ,
           they
           continue
           a
           high
           esteem
           for
           them
           ,
           and
           do
           cleave
           as
           close
           unto
           them
           ,
           as
           they
           did
           when
           their
           Affections
           were
           more
           vigorous
           .
           Only
           as
           it
           were
           they
           have
           changed
           their
           seat
           in
           the
           soul.
           It
           is
           thus
           in
           things
           spiritual
           ;
           the
           first
           and
           chiefest
           seat
           of
           the
           sensibleness
           of
           sin
           ,
           is
           in
           the
           Affections
           ;
           as
           these
           in
           natural
           youth
           ,
           are
           great
           and
           large
           ,
           so
           are
           they
           spiritually
           in
           spiritual
           youth
           ,
           Jer.
           2.
           2.
           
           
             I
             remember
             the
             kindness
             of
             thy
             youth
             ,
             the
             love
             of
             thine
             espousals
             .
          
           Besides
           such
           Persons
           are
           newly
           come
           off
           from
           their
           convictions
           ,
           
           wherein
           they
           have
           been
           cut
           to
           the
           heart
           ,
           and
           so
           made
           tender
           .
           Whatever
           touches
           upon
           a
           wound
           is
           throughly
           felt
           .
           So
           doth
           the
           guilt
           of
           sin
           before
           the
           wound
           given
           by
           conviction
           be
           throughly
           cured
           .
           But
           now
           when
           affections
           begin
           to
           decay
           naturally
           ,
           they
           begin
           to
           decay
           also
           as
           to
           their
           sensible
           actings
           and
           motions
           in
           things
           spiritual
           .
           Although
           they
           improve
           in
           Grace
           ,
           yet
           they
           may
           decay
           in
           sense
           .
           At
           least
           spiritual
           sense
           is
           not
           radically
           in
           them
           ,
           but
           only
           by
           way
           of
           communication
           .
           Now
           in
           these
           decayes
           ,
           if
           the
           soul
           take
           not
           care
           to
           fix
           a
           deep
           sense
           of
           Sin
           on
           the
           
             Mind
             and
             Judgement
          
           ,
           thereby
           perpetually
           to
           affect
           the
           heart
           and
           affections
           ,
           it
           will
           decay
           .
           And
           here
           the
           deceit
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin
           interposeth
           it self
           .
           It
           suffers
           a
           sense
           of
           sin
           to
           decay
           in
           the
           Affections
           ,
           and
           diverts
           the
           mind
           from
           entertaining
           a
           due
           ,
           constant
           fixed
           consideration
           of
           it
           .
           We
           may
           consider
           this
           a
           little
           in
           persons
           that
           never
           make
           a
           progress
           in
           the
           waies
           of
           God
           beyond
           conviction
           .
           How
           sensible
           of
           sin
           will
           they
           be
           for
           a
           season
           ?
           How
           will
           they
           then
           mourn
           and
           weep
           under
           a
           sense
           of
           the
           guilt
           of
           it
           ?
           How
           will
           they
           cordially
           and
           heartily
           resolve
           against
           it
           ?
           Affections
           are
           vigorous
           ,
           and
           as
           it
           were
           bear
           rule
           in
           their
           souls
           .
           But
           they
           are
           like
           an
           herb
           that
           will
           flourish
           for
           a
           day
           or
           two
           with
           watering
           ,
           although
           it
           have
           no
           root
           .
           For
           ,
           a
           while
           after
           we
           see
           ,
           that
           these
           men
           the
           more
           experience
           they
           have
           had
           of
           sin
           ,
           the
           less
           they
           are
           afraid
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           the
           Wise
           Man
           intimates
           ,
           Eccles.
           8.
           11.
           
           And
           at
           length
           they
           come
           to
           be
           the
           greatest
           contemners
           of
           sin
           in
           the
           world
           .
           No
           sinner
           like
           him
           that
           hath
           sinned
           away
           his
           convictions
           of
           sin
           .
           What
           is
           the
           
           reason
           of
           this
           ?
           sense
           of
           sin
           was
           in
           their
           convictions
           fixed
           on
           their
           Affections
           ;
           as
           it
           decayed
           in
           them
           ,
           they
           took
           no
           care
           to
           have
           it
           deeply
           and
           graciously
           fixed
           on
           their
           minds
           .
           This
           the
           deceitfulness
           of
           sin
           deprived
           them
           of
           ,
           and
           so
           ruined
           their
           souls
           .
           In
           some
           measure
           it
           is
           so
           with
           Believers
           .
           If
           as
           the
           sensibleness
           of
           the
           Affections
           decay
           ,
           if
           as
           they
           grow
           heavy
           and
           obtuse
           ,
           great
           Wisdom
           and
           Grace
           be
           not
           used
           to
           fix
           a
           due
           sense
           of
           sin
           upon
           the
           mind
           and
           judgement
           ,
           which
           may
           provoke
           ,
           excite
           ,
           enliven
           and
           stir
           up
           the
           Affections
           every
           day
           ,
           great
           decayes
           will
           ensue
           .
           At
           first
           ,
           sorrow
           ,
           trouble
           ,
           grief
           ,
           fear
           ,
           affected
           the
           mind
           ,
           and
           would
           give
           it
           no
           rest
           .
           If
           afterwards
           the
           mind
           do
           not
           affect
           the
           heart
           with
           sorrow
           and
           grief
           ,
           the
           whole
           will
           be
           cast
           out
           ,
           and
           the
           soul
           be
           in
           danger
           of
           being
           hardened
           .
           And
           these
           are
           some
           of
           the
           waies
           whereby
           the
           
             deceit
             of
             sin
          
           diverts
           the
           mind
           from
           the
           first
           part
           of
           its
           safe
           preserving
           frame
           ,
           or
           draws
           it
           off
           from
           its
           constant
           watchfulness
           against
           sin
           and
           all
           the
           effects
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           The
           second
           Part
           of
           this
           general
           duty
           of
           the
           mind
           ,
           is
           to
           keep
           the
           soul
           unto
           a
           constant
           ,
           holy
           consideration
           of
           God
           and
           his
           Grace
           .
           This
           evidently
           lies
           at
           the
           Spring-head
           of
           Gospel-obedience
           .
           The
           way
           whereby
           sin
           draws
           off
           the
           mind
           from
           this
           part
           of
           its
           duty
           is
           open
           and
           known
           sufficiently
           ,
           though
           not
           sufficiently
           watched
           against
           .
           Now
           this
           the
           Scripture
           every
           where
           declares
           to
           be
           the
           filling
           of
           the
           minds
           of
           men
           
             with
             earthly
             things
          
           .
           This
           it
           placeth
           in
           direct
           opposition
           unto
           that
           
             Heavenly
             frame
          
           of
           the
           mind
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           spring
           of
           Gospel-obedience
           ,
           Col.
           3.
           2.
           
           
             Set
             your
             Affections
             on
             things
             
             above
             ,
             not
             on
             things
             on
             the
             earth
             ,
          
           or
           set
           your
           minds
           .
           As
           if
           he
           had
           said
           ,
           on
           both
           together
           you
           cannot
           be
           set
           or
           fixed
           ,
           so
           as
           principally
           and
           chiefly
           to
           mind
           them
           both
           .
           And
           the
           Affections
           to
           the
           one
           and
           the
           other
           ,
           proceeding
           from
           these
           different
           principles
           of
           minding
           the
           one
           and
           the
           other
           ,
           are
           opposed
           as
           directly
           inconsistent
           ,
           1
           Joh.
           2.
           15.
           
           
             Love
             not
             the
             world
             ,
             neither
             the
             things
             that
             are
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             if
             any
             man
             love
             the
             world
             ,
             the
             love
             of
             the
             Father
             is
             not
             in
             him
             .
          
           And
           actings
           in
           a
           course
           suitable
           unto
           these
           Affections
           are
           proposed
           also
           as
           contrary
           ;
           
             you
             cannot
             serve
             God
             and
             Mammon
             .
          
           These
           are
           two
           Masters
           whom
           no
           man
           can
           serve
           at
           the
           same
           time
           ,
           to
           the
           satisfaction
           of
           both
           .
           Every
           
             inordinate
             minding
          
           ,
           then
           ,
           of
           earthly
           things
           ,
           is
           opposed
           unto
           that
           frame
           wherein
           our
           minds
           ought
           to
           be
           fixed
           on
           God
           and
           his
           Grace
           in
           a
           course
           of
           Gospel-obedience
           .
        
         
           Several
           waies
           there
           are
           whereby
           the
           
             deceitfulness
             of
             sin
          
           draws
           off
           the
           mind
           in
           this
           particular
           ,
           but
           the
           chief
           of
           them
           is
           by
           pressing
           these
           things
           on
           the
           mind
           under
           the
           notion
           of
           things
           lawful
           ,
           and
           it
           may
           be
           necessary
           .
           So
           all
           those
           who
           excuse
           themselves
           in
           the
           Parable
           ,
           from
           coming
           in
           to
           the
           Marriage-Feast
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           did
           it
           on
           the
           account
           of
           their
           being
           engaged
           in
           their
           lawful
           Callings
           .
           One
           about
           his
           Farm
           ,
           another
           his
           Oxen
           ,
           the
           means
           whereby
           he
           ploughed
           in
           this
           world
           .
           By
           this
           plea
           were
           the
           minds
           of
           men
           drawn
           off
           from
           that
           frame
           of
           Heavenliness
           which
           is
           required
           to
           our
           walking
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           rules
           of
           not
           loving
           the
           world
           ,
           or
           using
           it
           as
           if
           we
           used
           it
           not
           ,
           are
           hereby
           neglected
           .
           What
           wisdom
           ,
           what
           watchfulness
           ,
           what
           serious
           
           frequent
           trial
           and
           examination
           of
           our selves
           is
           required
           ,
           to
           keep
           our
           hearts
           and
           minds
           in
           an
           heavenly
           frame
           ,
           in
           the
           use
           and
           pursuit
           of
           earthly
           things
           ,
           is
           not
           my
           present
           business
           to
           declare
           .
           This
           is
           evident
           ,
           that
           the
           engine
           whereby
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           
             draws
             off
          
           and
           turns
           aside
           the
           mind
           in
           this
           matter
           ,
           is
           the
           pretence
           of
           the
           lawfulness
           of
           things
           about
           which
           it
           would
           have
           it
           exercise
           it self
           ,
           against
           which
           very
           few
           are
           armed
           with
           sufficient
           diligence
           ,
           wisdom
           and
           skill
           .
           And
           this
           is
           the
           first
           and
           most
           general
           attempt
           that
           indwelling-sin
           makes
           upon
           the
           soul
           by
           deceit
           :
           It
           draws
           away
           the
           mind
           from
           a
           diligent
           attention
           unto
           its
           course
           in
           a
           due
           sense
           of
           the
           evil
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           a
           due
           and
           constant
           consideration
           of
           God
           and
           his
           Grace
           .
        
      
       
         
           CHAP.
           IX
           .
        
         
           
             The
             deceit
             of
             Sin
             in
             drawing
             off
             the
             mind
             from
             a
             due
             attendance
             unto
             especial
             Duties
             of
             Obedience
             ,
             instanced
             in
             Meditation
             and
             Prayer
             .
          
        
         
           HOw
           sin
           by
           its
           deceit
           endeavours
           to
           draw
           off
           the
           mind
           from
           attending
           unto
           that
           holy
           frame
           in
           walking
           with
           God
           ,
           wherein
           the
           soul
           ought
           to
           be
           preserved
           ,
           hath
           been
           declared
           .
           Proceed
           we
           now
           to
           shew
           how
           it
           doth
           the
           same
           work
           in
           reference
           unto
           those
           
             especial
             duties
          
           ,
           by
           which
           the
           designs
           ,
           workings
           and
           prevalency
           of
           it
           may
           in
           an
           especial
           manner
           be
           obviated
           and
           prevented
           
           Sin
           indeed
           maintains
           an
           enmity
           against
           all
           duties
           of
           obedience
           ,
           or
           rather
           with
           God
           in
           them
           .
           
             When
             I
             would
             do
             good
          
           ,
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             evil
             is
             present
             with
             me
          
           .
           When
           ever
           I
           would
           do
           good
           ,
           or
           what
           good
           soever
           I
           would
           do
           ,
           that
           is
           spiritually
           good
           ,
           good
           in
           reference
           unto
           God
           ,
           it
           is
           present
           with
           me
           ,
           to
           hinder
           me
           from
           it
           ,
           to
           oppose
           me
           in
           it
           .
           And
           on
           the
           other
           side
           ,
           all
           duties
           of
           obedience
           do
           lie
           directly
           against
           the
           actings
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           .
           For
           as
           the
           flesh
           in
           all
           its
           actings
           lusteth
           against
           the
           spirit
           ,
           so
           the
           spirit
           in
           all
           its
           actings
           lusteth
           against
           the
           flesh
           .
           And
           therefore
           every
           duty
           performed
           in
           the
           strength
           and
           grace
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           is
           contrary
           to
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           .
           Rom.
           8.
           13.
           
           
             If
             ye
             by
             the
             Spirit
             do
             mortifie
             the
             deeds
             of
             the
             flesh
             .
          
           Actings
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           grace
           in
           duties
           doth
           this
           work
           .
           These
           two
           are
           contrary
           .
           But
           yet
           there
           are
           
             some
             duties
          
           ,
           which
           in
           their
           own
           nature
           ,
           and
           by
           Gods
           appointment
           ,
           have
           a
           peculiar
           influence
           into
           the
           weakening
           and
           subduing
           the
           whole
           law
           of
           sin
           in
           its
           very
           principles
           ,
           and
           chiefest
           strengths
           .
           And
           these
           the
           mind
           of
           a
           Believer
           ought
           principally
           in
           his
           whole
           course
           to
           attend
           unto
           .
           And
           these
           doth
           sin
           in
           its
           deceit
           endeavour
           principally
           to
           draw
           off
           the
           mind
           from
           .
           As
           in
           diseases
           of
           the
           body
           ,
           some
           remedies
           ,
           they
           say
           ,
           have
           a
           specifick
           quality
           against
           distempers
           ;
           so
           in
           this
           disease
           of
           the
           soul
           ,
           there
           are
           some
           duties
           that
           have
           an
           
             especial
             vertue
          
           against
           this
           sinful
           distemper
           .
           I
           shall
           not
           insist
           on
           many
           of
           them
           ,
           but
           instance
           only
           in
           two
           ,
           which
           seem
           to
           me
           to
           be
           of
           this
           nature
           ;
           namely
           that
           by
           Gods
           designation
           they
           have
           a
           special
           tendency
           towards
           the
           ruine
           of
           the
           
             Law
             of
             sin
          
           .
           And
           then
           we
           shall
           shew
           the
           waies
           ,
           methods
           and
           means
           
           which
           the
           
             Law
             of
             sin
          
           useth
           to
           divert
           the
           mind
           from
           a
           due
           attendance
           unto
           them
           .
           Now
           these
           duties
           are
           ,
           first
           ,
           Prayer
           ,
           especially
           private
           prayer
           :
           and
           ,
           secondly
           ,
           Meditation
           .
           I
           put
           them
           together
           ,
           because
           they
           much
           agree
           in
           their
           general
           nature
           and
           end
           ,
           differing
           only
           in
           the
           manner
           of
           their
           performance
           .
           For
           by
           Meditation
           ,
           I
           intend
           meditating
           upon
           what
           respect
           and
           suitableness
           there
           is
           between
           the
           Word
           and
           our
           own
           hearts
           ,
           to
           this
           end
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           be
           brought
           to
           a
           more
           exact
           conformity
           .
           It
           is
           our
           pondering
           on
           the
           truth
           as
           it
           is
           in
           Jesus
           ,
           to
           find
           out
           the
           image
           and
           representation
           of
           it
           in
           our
           own
           hearts
           ;
           and
           so
           it
           hath
           the
           same
           intent
           with
           Prayer
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           bring
           our
           souls
           into
           a
           frame
           in
           all
           things
           answering
           the
           mind
           and
           will
           of
           God.
           They
           are
           as
           the
           blood
           and
           spirits
           in
           the
           veins
           ,
           that
           have
           the
           same
           life
           ,
           motion
           and
           use
           .
           But
           yet
           because
           persons
           are
           generally
           at
           a
           great
           loss
           in
           this
           duty
           of
           Meditation
           ,
           having
           declared
           it
           to
           be
           of
           so
           great
           efficacy
           ,
           for
           the
           controlling
           of
           the
           actings
           of
           the
           
             Law
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           I
           shall
           in
           our
           passage
           give
           briefly
           two
           or
           three
           rules
           for
           the
           directing
           of
           Believers
           to
           a
           right
           performance
           of
           this
           great
           duty
           ,
           and
           they
           are
           these
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           
             Meditate
             of
             God
             with
             God
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           when
           we
           would
           undertake
           thoughts
           and
           meditations
           of
           God
           ,
           his
           Excellencies
           ,
           his
           Properties
           ,
           his
           Glory
           ,
           his
           Majesty
           ,
           his
           Love
           ,
           his
           Goodness
           ,
           let
           it
           be
           done
           in
           a
           way
           of
           
             speaking
             unto
             God
          
           ,
           in
           a
           deep
           humiliation
           and
           abasement
           of
           our
           souls
           before
           him
           .
           This
           ,
           will
           fix
           the
           mind
           ,
           and
           draw
           it
           forth
           from
           one
           thing
           to
           another
           ,
           to
           give
           glory
           unto
           God
           in
           a
           due
           manner
           ,
           and
           affect
           the
           soul
           until
           it
           be
           brought
           
           into
           that
           holy
           admiration
           of
           God
           and
           delight
           in
           him
           ,
           which
           is
           acceptable
           unto
           him
           .
           My
           meaning
           is
           ,
           that
           it
           be
           done
           in
           a
           way
           of
           Prayer
           and
           Praise
           ,
           speaking
           unto
           God.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           
             Meditate
             on
             the
             Word
             in
             the
             Word
             :
          
           that
           is
           ,
           in
           the
           reading
           of
           it
           ,
           consider
           the
           sense
           in
           the
           particular
           passages
           we
           insist
           upon
           ,
           looking
           to
           God
           for
           help
           ,
           guidance
           and
           direction
           in
           the
           discovery
           of
           his
           mind
           and
           will
           therein
           ,
           and
           then
           labour
           to
           have
           our
           hearts
           affected
           with
           it
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           What
           we
           come
           short
           of
           in
           evenness
           and
           constancy
           in
           our
           thoughts
           in
           these
           things
           ,
           let
           it
           be
           made
           up
           in
           frequency
           .
           Some
           are
           discouraged
           because
           their
           minds
           do
           not
           regularly
           supply
           them
           with
           thoughts
           to
           carry
           on
           their
           meditations
           ,
           through
           the
           weakness
           or
           imperfection
           of
           their
           inventions
           .
           Let
           this
           be
           supplied
           by
           frequent
           returns
           of
           the
           mind
           unto
           the
           subject
           proposed
           to
           be
           meditated
           upon
           ,
           whereby
           new
           senses
           will
           still
           be
           supplied
           unto
           it
           .
           But
           this
           by
           the
           way
           .
        
         
           These
           duties
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           amongst
           others
           (
           for
           we
           have
           only
           chosen
           them
           for
           an
           instance
           ,
           not
           excluding
           some
           others
           from
           the
           same
           place
           ,
           office
           and
           usefulness
           with
           them
           )
           do
           make
           an
           
             especial
             opposition
          
           to
           the
           very
           being
           and
           life
           of
           Indwelling-sin
           ,
           or
           rather
           faith
           in
           them
           doth
           so
           .
           They
           are
           perpetually
           designing
           its
           utter
           ruine
           .
           I
           shall
           therefore
           upon
           this
           instance
           in
           the
           pursuit
           of
           our
           present
           purpose
           do
           these
           two
           things
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           Shew
           the
           suitableness
           and
           usefulness
           of
           this
           duty
           ,
           or
           these
           duties
           ,
           (
           as
           I
           shall
           handle
           them
           jointly
           )
           unto
           the
           ruining
           of
           sin
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Shew
           the
           means
           whereby
           the
           deceitfulness
           
           of
           sin
           endeavours
           to
           
             draw
             off
             the
             mind
          
           from
           a
           due
           attendance
           unto
           them
           .
        
         
           For
           the
           first
           observe
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           it
           is
           the
           proper
           work
           of
           the
           soul
           in
           this
           duty
           ,
           to
           consider
           all
           the
           
             secret
             workings
          
           and
           actings
           of
           sin
           ,
           what
           advantages
           it
           hath
           got
           ,
           what
           temptations
           it
           is
           in
           conjunction
           withall
           ,
           what
           harm
           it
           hath
           already
           done
           ,
           and
           what
           it
           is
           yet
           farther
           ready
           to
           do
           .
           Hence
           David
           gives
           that
           title
           unto
           one
           of
           his
           Prayers
           ,
           Psal.
           102.
           
           
             A
             prayer
             of
             the
             afflicted
             ,
             when
             he
             is
             over-whelmed
             ,
             and
             poureth
             out
             his
             complaint
             before
             the
             Lord.
          
           I
           speak
           of
           that
           prayer
           which
           is
           attended
           with
           a
           due
           consideration
           of
           all
           the
           wants
           ,
           straits
           and
           emergencies
           of
           the
           soul.
           Without
           this
           ,
           Prayer
           is
           not
           Prayer
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           what
           ever
           shew
           or
           appearance
           of
           that
           duty
           it
           hath
           ,
           it
           is
           no
           way
           useful
           ,
           either
           to
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           or
           the
           good
           of
           the
           souls
           of
           men
           .
           A
           cloud
           it
           is
           without
           water
           ,
           driven
           by
           the
           wind
           of
           the
           breath
           of
           men
           .
           Nor
           was
           there
           ever
           any
           more
           present
           and
           effectual
           poison
           for
           souls
           found
           out
           ,
           than
           the
           binding
           of
           them
           unto
           a
           constant
           form
           and
           usage
           of
           I
           know
           not
           what
           words
           in
           their
           prayers
           and
           supplications
           ,
           which
           themselves
           do
           not
           understand
           .
           Bind
           men
           so
           in
           their
           trades
           ,
           or
           in
           their
           businesses
           in
           this
           world
           ,
           and
           they
           will
           quickly
           find
           the
           effect
           of
           it
           .
           By
           this
           means
           are
           they
           disenabled
           from
           any
           due
           consideration
           of
           what
           a
           present
           is
           good
           for
           them
           ,
           or
           evil
           unto
           them
           ,
           without
           which
           ,
           to
           what
           use
           can
           prayer
           serve
           ,
           but
           to
           mock
           God
           ,
           and
           delude
           mens
           own
           souls
           ?
           But
           in
           this
           kind
           of
           Prayer
           which
           we
           insist
           on
           ,
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           falls
           in
           to
           give
           us
           his
           assistance
           ,
           and
           that
           in
           this
           very
           matter
           of
           
             finding
             out
          
           and
           
           discovering
           the
           most
           secret
           actings
           and
           workings
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           .
           Rom.
           8.
           26.
           
           
             We
             know
             not
             what
             to
             pray
             for
             as
             we
             ought
             ,
             but
             he
             helps
             our
             infirmities
             :
          
           he
           discovers
           our
           wants
           unto
           us
           ,
           and
           wherein
           chiefly
           we
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           help
           and
           relief
           .
           And
           we
           find
           it
           by
           daily
           experience
           ,
           that
           in
           prayer
           ,
           Believers
           are
           led
           into
           such
           discoveries
           and
           convictions
           of
           the
           secret
           deceitful
           work
           of
           sin
           in
           their
           hearts
           ,
           as
           no
           considerations
           could
           ever
           have
           led
           them
           into
           .
           So
           
             David
             ,
             Psal.
          
           51.
           designing
           the
           confession
           of
           his
           actual
           sin
           ,
           having
           his
           wound
           in
           his
           prayer
           searched
           by
           the
           skilful
           hand
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           he
           had
           a
           discovery
           made
           unto
           him
           of
           the
           root
           of
           all
           his
           miscarriages
           in
           his
           
             original
             corruption
             ,
             vers
          
           .
           5.
           
           The
           Spirit
           in
           this
           duty
           is
           as
           the
           
             candle
             of
             the
             Lord
          
           unto
           the
           soul
           ▪
           enabling
           it
           to
           search
           all
           the
           inward
           parts
           of
           the
           belly
           .
           It
           gives
           a
           holy
           spiritual
           light
           into
           the
           mind
           ,
           enabling
           it
           to
           search
           the
           deep
           and
           dark
           recesses
           of
           the
           heart
           ,
           to
           find
           out
           the
           subtil
           and
           deceitful
           machinations
           ,
           figments
           and
           imaginations
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           therein
           .
           What
           ever
           notion
           there
           be
           of
           it
           ,
           what
           ever
           power
           and
           prevalency
           in
           it
           ,
           it
           is
           laid
           hand
           on
           ,
           apprehended
           ,
           brought
           into
           the
           presence
           of
           God
           ,
           judged
           ,
           condemned
           ,
           bewailed
           .
           And
           what
           can
           possible
           be
           more
           effectual
           for
           its
           ruine
           and
           destruction
           ?
           For
           together
           with
           its
           discovery
           ,
           application
           is
           made
           unto
           all
           that
           relief
           which
           in
           Jesus
           Christ
           is
           provided
           against
           it
           ,
           all
           ways
           and
           means
           whereby
           it
           may
           be
           ruined
           .
           Hence
           it
           is
           the
           duty
           of
           the
           mind
           ,
           
             to
             watch
             unto
             prayer
          
           ,
           1
           Pet.
           4.
           7.
           
           To
           attend
           diligently
           unto
           the
           estate
           of
           our
           souls
           ,
           and
           to
           deal
           fervently
           and
           effectually
           with
           God
           about
           it
           .
           The
           like
           also
           may
           be
           said
           of
           
           Meditation
           ,
           wisely
           managed
           unto
           its
           proper
           end
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           In
           this
           duty
           there
           is
           wrought
           upon
           the
           heart
           a
           deep
           full
           sense
           of
           the
           
             vileness
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           with
           a
           constant
           renewed
           detestation
           of
           it
           ,
           which
           ,
           if
           any
           thing
           ,
           undoubtedly
           tends
           to
           its
           ruine
           .
           This
           is
           one
           design
           of
           prayer
           ,
           one
           end
           of
           the
           soul
           in
           it
           ,
           namely
           to
           draw
           forth
           sin
           ,
           to
           set
           it
           in
           order
           ,
           to
           present
           it
           unto
           it self
           in
           its
           vileness
           ,
           abomination
           and
           aggravating
           circumstances
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           be
           loathed
           ,
           abhorred
           ,
           and
           cast
           away
           as
           a
           filthy
           thing
           ;
           as
           Isa.
           30.
           22.
           
           He
           that
           pleads
           with
           God
           for
           sins
           remission
           ,
           pleads
           also
           with
           his
           own
           heart
           for
           its
           detestation
           .
           Hos.
           14.
           3.
           
           Herein
           also
           sin
           is
           judged
           in
           the
           Name
           of
           God
           ;
           for
           the
           soul
           in
           its
           confession
           subscribes
           unto
           Gods
           detestation
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           the
           sentence
           of
           his
           Law
           against
           it
           .
           There
           is
           indeed
           a
           course
           of
           these
           duties
           ,
           which
           convinced
           persons
           do
           give
           up
           themselves
           unto
           ,
           as
           a
           mere
           covert
           to
           their
           lusts
           :
           they
           cannot
           sin
           quietly
           ,
           unless
           they
           perform
           duty
           constantly
           .
           But
           that
           Prayer
           we
           speak
           of
           ,
           is
           a
           thing
           of
           another
           nature
           ,
           a
           thing
           that
           will
           allow
           no
           composition
           with
           sin
           ,
           much
           less
           will
           serve
           the
           ends
           of
           the
           deceit
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           the
           other
           formal
           prayer
           doth
           .
           It
           will
           not
           be
           bribed
           into
           a
           secret
           compliance
           with
           any
           of
           the
           enemies
           of
           God
           ,
           or
           the
           soul
           ,
           no
           not
           for
           a
           moment
           .
           And
           hence
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           oftentimes
           in
           this
           duty
           ,
           the
           heart
           is
           raised
           to
           the
           most
           sincere
           effectual
           sense
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           detestation
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           the
           soul
           ever
           obtains
           in
           its
           whole
           cour●e
           of
           obedience
           .
           And
           this
           evidently
           tends
           also
           to
           the
           weakning
           and
           ruine
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           This
           is
           the
           way
           appointed
           and
           bless●d
           of
           God
           to
           obtain
           strength
           and
           power
           against
           
           sin
           .
           Jam.
           1.
           5.
           
           
             Doth
             any
             man
             lack
             ,
             let
             him
             ask
             of
             God.
          
           Prayer
           is
           the
           way
           of
           obtaining
           from
           God
           by
           Christ
           a
           supply
           of
           all
           our
           wants
           ,
           assistance
           against
           all
           opposition
           ,
           especially
           that
           which
           is
           made
           against
           us
           by
           sin
           .
           This
           ,
           I
           suppose
           ,
           need
           not
           be
           insisted
           on
           ;
           it
           is
           in
           the
           notion
           and
           practice
           clear
           to
           every
           Believer
           .
           It
           is
           that
           wherein
           we
           call
           ,
           and
           upon
           which
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           comes
           in
           to
           our
           succour
           ,
           with
           suitable
           help
           in
           a
           time
           of
           need
           ,
           Heb.
           2.
           17.
           
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           Faith
           in
           Prayer
           countermines
           all
           the
           workings
           of
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           ;
           and
           that
           because
           the
           soul
           doth
           therein
           constantly
           engage
           it self
           unto
           God
           to
           oppose
           all
           sin
           whatsoever
           .
           Psal.
           119.
           106.
           
           
             I
             have
             sworn
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             perfom
             it
             ,
             that
             I
             will
             keep
             thy
             righteous
             judgments
             .
          
           This
           is
           the
           language
           of
           every
           gracious
           soul
           in
           its
           addresses
           unto
           God
           :
           the
           inmost
           parts
           thereof
           engage
           themselves
           to
           God
           to
           cleave
           to
           him
           in
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           to
           oppose
           sin
           in
           all
           things
           .
           He
           that
           cannot
           do
           this
           ,
           cannot
           pray
           .
           To
           pray
           with
           any
           other
           frame
           ,
           is
           to
           flatter
           God
           with
           our
           lips
           ,
           which
           he
           abhorreth
           .
           And
           this
           exceedingly
           helps
           a
           Believer
           in
           
             pursuing
             sin
          
           unto
           its
           ruine
           .
           For
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           If
           there
           be
           any
           secret
           lust
           that
           lies
           lurking
           in
           the
           heart
           ,
           he
           will
           find
           it
           either
           rising
           up
           against
           this
           engagement
           ,
           or
           using
           its
           artifices
           to
           secure
           it self
           from
           it
           .
           And
           hereby
           it
           is
           discovered
           ;
           and
           the
           conviction
           of
           the
           heart
           concerning
           its
           evil
           furthered
           and
           strengthened
           .
           Sin
           makes
           the
           most
           certain
           discovery
           of
           it self
           ,
           and
           never
           more
           evidently
           than
           when
           it
           is
           most
           severely
           pursued
           .
           Lusts
           in
           men
           are
           compared
           to
           hurtful
           and
           
             noisome
             beasts
          
           ,
           or
           men
           themselves
           are
           so
           because
           of
           their
           lusts
           ,
           
           Isa.
           11.
           4
           ,
           5.
           
           Now
           such
           beasts
           use
           themselves
           to
           their
           dens
           and
           coverts
           ,
           and
           never
           discover
           themselves
           ,
           at
           least
           so
           much
           in
           their
           proper
           nature
           and
           rage
           ,
           as
           when
           they
           are
           most
           
             earnestly
             pursued
          
           .
           And
           so
           it
           is
           with
           sin
           and
           corruption
           in
           the
           heart
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           If
           any
           sin
           be
           prevalent
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           it
           will
           weaken
           it
           ,
           and
           take
           it
           off
           from
           the
           universality
           of
           this
           engagement
           unto
           God
           ,
           it
           will
           breed
           a
           tergiversation
           unto
           it
           ,
           a
           slightness
           in
           it
           .
           Now
           when
           this
           is
           observed
           ,
           it
           will
           exceedingly
           awaken
           a
           gracious
           soul
           ,
           and
           stir
           it
           up
           to
           look
           about
           it
           .
           As
           a
           
             spontaneous
             lassitude
          
           ,
           or
           a
           causeless
           weariness
           and
           indisposition
           of
           the
           body
           ,
           is
           looked
           on
           as
           the
           sign
           of
           an
           approaching
           Feaver
           ,
           or
           some
           dangerous
           distemper
           ,
           which
           stirs
           up
           men
           to
           use
           a
           timely
           and
           vigorous
           prevention
           ,
           that
           they
           be
           not
           seised
           upon
           by
           it
           ;
           so
           is
           it
           in
           this
           case
           .
           When
           the
           soul
           of
           a
           Believer
           finds
           in
           it self
           an
           indisposition
           to
           make
           fervent
           ,
           sincere
           engagements
           of
           universal
           holiness
           unto
           God
           ,
           it
           knows
           that
           there
           is
           some
           prevalent
           distemper
           in
           it
           ,
           finds
           the
           place
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           sets
           it self
           against
           it
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Whilst
           the
           soul
           can
           thus
           constantly
           engage
           it self
           unto
           God
           ,
           it
           is
           certain
           that
           sin
           can
           rise
           unto
           no
           
             ruinous
             prevalency
          
           .
           Yea
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           conquest
           over
           sin
           ,
           a
           most
           considerable
           conquest
           ,
           when
           the
           soul
           doth
           fully
           and
           clearly
           ,
           without
           any
           secret
           reserve
           ,
           come
           off
           with
           alacrity
           and
           resolution
           in
           such
           an
           engagement
           ;
           as
           Psal.
           18.
           23.
           
           And
           it
           may
           upon
           such
           a
           success
           triumph
           in
           the
           grace
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           have
           good
           hope
           through
           faith
           ,
           that
           it
           shall
           have
           a
           final
           conquest
           ,
           and
           what
           it
           so
           resolves
           ,
           shall
           be
           done
           ;
           that
           it
           hath
           decreed
           a
           thing
           ,
           and
           it
           shall
           be
           
           established
           .
           And
           this
           tends
           to
           the
           disappointment
           ,
           yea
           ,
           to
           the
           ruine
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           If
           the
           heart
           be
           not
           deceived
           by
           cursed
           hypocrisie
           ,
           this
           engagement
           unto
           God
           will
           greatly
           influence
           it
           unto
           a
           peculiar
           diligence
           and
           watchfulness
           against
           all
           sin
           .
           There
           is
           no
           greater
           evidence
           of
           hypocrisie
           ,
           than
           to
           have
           the
           hear●
           like
           the
           
             whorish
             woman
             ,
             Prov.
          
           7.
           14.
           to
           say
           ,
           
             I
             have
             paid
             my
             vows
             ,
             now
             I
             may
             take
             my self
             unto
             my
             sin
             .
          
           Or
           to
           be
           negligent
           about
           sin
           ▪
           as
           being
           satisfied
           that
           it
           hath
           prayed
           against
           it
           .
           It
           is
           otherwise
           in
           a
           gracious
           soul.
           Sense
           and
           conscience
           of
           engagements
           against
           sin
           made
           to
           God
           ,
           do
           make
           it
           universally
           watchful
           against
           all
           its
           motions
           and
           operations
           .
           On
           these
           and
           sundry
           other
           accounts
           ,
           doth
           faith
           in
           this
           duty
           exert
           it self
           peculiary
           ,
           to
           the
           weakening
           of
           the
           power
           ,
           and
           stopping
           of
           the
           progress
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           .
        
         
           If
           then
           the
           mind
           be
           diligent
           in
           its
           watch
           and
           charge
           ,
           to
           preserve
           the
           soul
           from
           the
           efficacy
           of
           sin
           ,
           it
           will
           carefully
           attend
           unto
           this
           duty
           ,
           and
           the
           due
           performance
           of
           it
           ,
           which
           is
           of
           such
           singular
           advantage
           unto
           its
           end
           and
           purpose
           .
           Here
           therefore
           sin
           puts
           forth
           its
           deceit
           in
           its
           own
           defence
           :
           it
           labours
           to
           divert
           and
           draw
           off
           the
           mind
           from
           attending
           unto
           this
           and
           the
           like
           duties
           .
           And
           there
           are
           ,
           among
           others
           ,
           
             three
             engines
          
           ,
           three
           ways
           and
           means
           ,
           whereby
           it
           attempts
           the
           accomplishment
           of
           its
           design
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           It
           makes
           advantage
           of
           its
           weariness
           unto
           the
           flesh
           .
           There
           is
           an
           Aversation
           ,
           as
           hath
           been
           declared
           in
           the
           Law
           of
           Sin
           unto
           all
           immediate
           communion
           with
           God.
           Now
           this
           duty
           is
           such
           .
           There
           
           is
           nothing
           accompanieth
           it
           whereby
           the
           carnal
           part
           of
           the
           soul
           may
           be
           gratified
           ,
           or
           satisfied
           ,
           as
           there
           may
           be
           somewhat
           of
           that
           nature
           in
           most
           
             publick
             duties
          
           ,
           in
           most
           that
           a
           man
           can
           do
           ,
           beyond
           pure
           acts
           of
           faith
           and
           love
           .
           No
           relief
           or
           advantage
           then
           coming
           in
           by
           it
           ,
           but
           what
           is
           purely
           spiritual
           ,
           it
           becomes
           wearisome
           ,
           burdensome
           to
           flesh
           and
           blood
           .
           It
           is
           like
           travelling
           alone
           without
           Companion
           or
           diversion
           ,
           which
           makes
           the
           way
           seem
           long
           ,
           but
           brings
           the
           Passenger
           with
           most
           speed
           to
           his
           journeys
           end
           .
           So
           our
           Saviour
           declares
           ,
           when
           expecting
           his
           Disciples
           according
           to
           their
           duty
           and
           present
           distress
           should
           have
           been
           engaged
           in
           this
           work
           ,
           he
           found
           them
           
             fast
             asleep
          
           ,
           Matth.
           26.
           41.
           
           
             The
             Spirit
          
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             indeed
             is
             willing
             ,
             but
             the
             flesh
             is
             weak
             :
          
           And
           out
           of
           that
           weakness
           grew
           their
           indisposition
           unto
           ,
           and
           weariness
           of
           their
           Duty
           .
           So
           God
           complains
           of
           his
           People
           ,
           Isa.
           43.
           22.
           
           
             Thou
             hast
             been
             weary
             of
             me
             .
          
           And
           it
           may
           come
           at
           length
           unto
           that
           height
           which
           is
           mentioned
           ,
           Mal.
           1.
           13.
           
           
             Ye
             have
             said
             ,
             behold
             what
             a
             weariness
             is
             it
             ,
             and
             ye
             have
             snuffed
             at
             it
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             of
             Hosts
             .
          
           The
           Jews
           suppose
           that
           it
           was
           the
           language
           of
           men
           when
           they
           brought
           their
           Offerings
           or
           Sacrifices
           on
           their
           shoulders
           ,
           which
           they
           pretended
           wearyed
           them
           ,
           and
           they
           panted
           and
           blowed
           as
           men
           ready
           to
           faint
           under
           them
           ,
           when
           they
           brought
           only
           the
           torn
           ,
           and
           the
           lame
           ,
           and
           the
           sick
           .
           But
           so
           is
           this
           duty
           oftentimes
           to
           the
           flesh
           .
           And
           this
           the
           deceitfulness
           of
           sin
           makes
           use
           of
           ,
           to
           draw
           the
           heart
           by
           insensible
           degrees
           from
           a
           constant
           attendance
           unto
           it
           .
           It
           puts
           in
           for
           the
           relief
           of
           the
           weak
           and
           weary
           flesh
           .
           There
           is
           a
           
           complyance
           between
           
             spiritual
             flesh
          
           ,
           and
           
             natural
             flesh
          
           in
           this
           matter
           ;
           they
           help
           one
           another
           ,
           and
           an
           aversation
           unto
           this
           duty
           is
           the
           effect
           of
           their
           complyance
           .
           So
           it
           was
           in
           the
           
             Spouse
             ,
             Cant.
          
           5.
           2
           ,
           3.
           
           She
           was
           asleep
           drowsing
           in
           her
           
             spiritual
             condition
          
           ,
           and
           pleads
           her
           
             natural
             unfitness
          
           to
           rouse
           her self
           from
           that
           state
           .
           If
           the
           mind
           be
           not
           diligently
           watchful
           to
           prevent
           insinuations
           from
           hence
           ,
           if
           it
           dwell
           not
           constantly
           on
           those
           considerations
           which
           evidence
           an
           attendance
           unto
           this
           duty
           to
           be
           indispensible
           ,
           if
           it
           stir
           not
           up
           the
           principle
           of
           Grace
           in
           the
           heart
           to
           retain
           its
           Rule
           and
           Soveraignty
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           be
           dallied
           withal
           by
           foolish
           pretences
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           drawn
           off
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           effect
           aimed
           at
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           The
           deceitfulness
           of
           sin
           makes
           use
           of
           corrupt
           reasonings
           taken
           from
           the
           pressing
           and
           urging
           
             occasions
             of
             life
          
           .
           Should
           we
           ,
           sayes
           it
           in
           the
           heart
           ,
           attend
           strictly
           unto
           all
           duties
           in
           this
           kind
           ,
           we
           should
           neglect
           our
           principal
           occasions
           ,
           and
           be
           useless
           unto
           our selves
           and
           others
           in
           the
           world
           .
           And
           on
           this
           general
           account
           ,
           particular
           businesses
           dispossess
           particular
           duties
           from
           their
           due
           place
           and
           time
           .
           Men
           have
           not
           leisure
           to
           glorifie
           God
           and
           save
           their
           own
           souls
           .
           It
           is
           certain
           ,
           that
           God
           gives
           us
           time
           enough
           for
           all
           that
           he
           requires
           of
           us
           in
           any
           kind
           in
           this
           world
           .
           No
           duties
           need
           to
           justle
           one
           another
           ,
           I
           mean
           constantly
           .
           Especial
           occasions
           must
           be
           determined
           according
           unto
           especial
           circumstances
           .
           But
           if
           in
           any
           thing
           we
           take
           more
           upon
           us
           than
           we
           have
           time
           well
           to
           perform
           it
           in
           without
           robbing
           God
           of
           that
           which
           is
           due
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           our
           own
           souls
           ,
           this
           God
           calls
           not
           unto
           ,
           this
           he
           
           blesseth
           us
           not
           in
           .
           It
           is
           more
           tolerable
           that
           our
           duties
           of
           holiness
           and
           regard
           to
           God
           ,
           should
           intrench
           upon
           the
           duties
           of
           our
           Callings
           and
           employments
           in
           this
           world
           ,
           than
           on
           the
           contrary
           ;
           and
           yet
           neither
           doth
           God
           require
           this
           at
           our
           hands
           in
           an
           ordinary
           manner
           or
           course
           .
           How
           little
           then
           will
           he
           bear
           with
           that
           which
           evidently
           is
           so
           much
           worse
           upon
           all
           accounts
           whatever
           .
           But
           yet
           through
           the
           deceitfulness
           of
           sin
           ,
           thus
           are
           the
           souls
           of
           men
           beguiled
           .
           By
           several
           degrees
           they
           are
           at
           length
           driven
           from
           their
           duty
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           It
           deals
           with
           the
           mind
           to
           draw
           it
           off
           from
           its
           attendance
           unto
           this
           duty
           by
           a
           tender
           of
           a
           compensation
           to
           be
           made
           in
           and
           by
           other
           duties
           .
           As
           Saul
           thought
           to
           compensate
           his
           disobedience
           by
           Sacrifice
           .
           
             May
             not
             the
             same
             duty
             performed
             in
             publick
             ,
             or
             in
             the
             Family
             suffice
             ?
          
           And
           if
           the
           soul
           be
           so
           foolish
           as
           not
           to
           answer
           ,
           
             those
             things
             ought
             to
             be
             done
             ,
             and
             this
             not
             to
             be
             left
             undone
             ,
          
           it
           may
           be
           ensnared
           and
           deceived
           .
           For
           besides
           a
           command
           unto
           it
           ,
           namely
           that
           we
           should
           personally
           watch
           unto
           prayer
           ,
           there
           is
           as
           hath
           been
           declared
           sundry
           advantages
           in
           this
           duty
           so
           performed
           against
           the
           deceit
           and
           efficacy
           of
           sin
           ,
           which
           in
           the
           more
           publick
           attendance
           unto
           it
           ,
           it
           hath
           not
           .
           These
           sin
           strives
           to
           deprive
           the
           soul
           of
           by
           this
           commutation
           which
           by
           its
           corrupt
           reasonings
           it
           tenders
           unto
           it
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           I
           may
           add
           here
           that
           which
           hath
           place
           in
           all
           the
           workings
           of
           sin
           by
           deceit
           ,
           namely
           ,
           its
           feeding
           the
           soul
           with
           promises
           and
           purposes
           of
           a
           more
           diligent
           attendance
           unto
           this
           duty
           when
           occasions
           will
           permit
           .
           By
           this
           means
           it
           brings
           the
           soul
           to
           say
           unto
           its
           convictions
           of
           duty
           ,
           as
           Felix
           
           did
           to
           
             Paul
             ,
             Go
             thy
             way
             for
             this
             time
             ,
             when
             I
             have
             a
             convenient
             season
             ,
             I
             will
             call
             for
             thee
             .
          
           And
           by
           this
           means
           oftentimes
           the
           present
           season
           and
           time
           ,
           which
           alone
           is
           ours
           ,
           is
           lost
           irrecoverably
           .
        
         
           These
           are
           some
           of
           the
           wayes
           and
           means
           whereby
           the
           
             deceit
             of
             sin
          
           endeavours
           to
           
             draw
             off
             the
             mind
          
           from
           its
           due
           attendance
           unto
           this
           duty
           ,
           which
           is
           so
           peculiarly
           suited
           to
           prevent
           its
           progress
           and
           prevalency
           ,
           and
           which
           aims
           so
           directly
           and
           immediately
           at
           its
           ruine
           .
           I
           might
           instance
           also
           in
           other
           duties
           of
           the
           like
           tendency
           .
           But
           this
           may
           suffice
           to
           discover
           the
           nature
           of
           this
           part
           of
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           .
           And
           this
           is
           the
           first
           way
           whereby
           it
           makes
           way
           for
           the
           farther
           entangling
           of
           the
           Affections
           and
           the
           conception
           of
           sin
           .
           When
           sin
           hath
           wrought
           this
           effect
           on
           any
           one
           ,
           he
           is
           said
           to
           be
           
             drawn
             away
          
           ,
           to
           be
           diverted
           from
           what
           in
           his
           mind
           he
           ought
           constantly
           to
           attend
           unto
           ,
           in
           his
           walking
           before
           the
           Lord.
           
        
         
           And
           this
           will
           instruct
           us
           to
           see
           and
           discern
           where
           lyes
           the
           beginning
           of
           our
           declensions
           and
           failings
           in
           the
           wayes
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           that
           either
           as
           to
           our
           general
           course
           ,
           or
           as
           to
           our
           attendance
           unto
           especial
           duties
           .
           And
           this
           is
           of
           great
           importance
           and
           concernment
           unto
           us
           .
           When
           the
           beginnings
           and
           occasions
           of
           a
           sickness
           or
           distemper
           of
           body
           are
           known
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           great
           advantage
           to
           direct
           in
           and
           unto
           the
           cure
           of
           it
           .
           God
           to
           recall
           Sion
           to
           himself
           shews
           her
           where
           was
           the
           beginning
           of
           her
           
             sin
             ,
             Micah
          
           1.
           13.
           
           Now
           this
           is
           that
           which
           for
           the
           most
           part
           is
           the
           
             beginning
             of
             sin
          
           unto
           us
           ,
           even
           the
           drawing
           off
           the
           mind
           from
           a
           due
           attendance
           in
           all
           things
           unto
           the
           discharge
           of
           its
           duty
           .
           The
           principal
           
           care
           and
           charge
           of
           the
           soul
           lyes
           on
           the
           mind
           ;
           and
           if
           that
           fail
           of
           its
           duty
           ,
           the
           whole
           is
           betrayed
           ,
           either
           as
           unto
           its
           general
           frame
           ,
           or
           as
           unto
           particular
           miscarriages
           .
           The
           failing
           of
           the
           mind
           ,
           is
           like
           the
           failing
           of
           the
           Watch-man
           in
           Ezekiel
           ,
           the
           whole
           is
           lost
           by
           his
           neglect
           .
           This
           therefore
           in
           that
           self-scrutiny
           and
           search
           which
           we
           are
           called
           unto
           ,
           we
           are
           most
           diligently
           to
           enquire
           after
           .
           God
           doth
           not
           look
           at
           what
           duties
           we
           perform
           ,
           as
           to
           their
           number
           and
           tale
           ,
           or
           as
           to
           their
           nature
           meerly
           ,
           but
           whether
           we
           do
           them
           with
           that
           intention
           of
           mind
           and
           Spirit
           which
           he
           requireth
           .
           Many
           men
           perform
           duties
           in
           a
           road
           or
           course
           ,
           and
           do
           not
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           so
           much
           as
           think
           of
           them
           .
           Their
           minds
           are
           filled
           with
           other
           things
           ,
           only
           duty
           takes
           up
           so
           much
           of
           their
           time
           .
           This
           is
           but
           an
           endeavour
           to
           mock
           God
           ,
           and
           deceive
           their
           own
           souls
           .
           Would
           you
           therefore
           take
           the
           true
           measure
           of
           your selves
           :
           consider
           how
           it
           is
           with
           you
           as
           to
           the
           duty
           of
           your
           minds
           which
           we
           have
           enquired
           after
           .
           Consider
           whether
           by
           any
           of
           the
           deceits
           mentioned
           ,
           you
           have
           not
           been
           
             diverted
             and
             drawn
             away
          
           ;
           and
           if
           there
           be
           any
           decayes
           upon
           you
           in
           any
           kind
           ,
           you
           will
           find
           that
           there
           hath
           been
           the
           beginning
           of
           them
           .
           By
           one
           way
           or
           other
           your
           minds
           have
           been
           made
           heedless
           ,
           regardless
           ,
           slothful
           ,
           uncertain
           ,
           being
           beguiled
           and
           drawn
           off
           from
           their
           duty
           .
           Consider
           the
           charge
           ,
           Prov.
           4.
           23
           ,
           25
           ,
           26
           ,
           27.
           
           May
           not
           such
           a
           soul
           say
           ,
           if
           I
           had
           attended
           more
           diligently
           ,
           if
           I
           had
           considered
           more
           wisely
           the
           vile
           nature
           of
           sin
           ,
           if
           I
           had
           not
           suffered
           my
           mind
           to
           be
           possessed
           with
           vain
           hopes
           and
           foolish
           imaginations
           ,
           by
           a
           cursed
           abuse
           of
           Gospel-Grace
           ,
           
           If
           I
           had
           not
           permitted
           it
           to
           be
           filled
           with
           the
           things
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           to
           become
           negligent
           in
           attending
           unto
           especial
           duties
           ,
           I
           had
           not
           at
           this
           day
           been
           thus
           sick
           ,
           weak
           ,
           thriftless
           ,
           wounded
           ,
           decayed
           ,
           defiled
           .
           My
           careless
           ,
           my
           deceived
           mind
           ,
           hath
           been
           the
           
             beginning
             of
             sin
          
           and
           transgression
           unto
           my
           soul.
           And
           this
           discovery
           will
           direct
           the
           soul
           unto
           a
           sutable
           way
           for
           its
           healing
           and
           recovery
           ,
           which
           will
           never
           be
           effected
           by
           a
           multiplying
           of
           particular
           duties
           ,
           but
           by
           a
           restoring
           of
           the
           mind
           ,
           Psal.
           23.
           3.
           
        
         
           And
           this
           also
           doth
           hence
           appear
           to
           be
           the
           great
           means
           of
           preserving
           our
           souls
           ,
           both
           as
           unto
           their
           general
           frame
           and
           particular
           duties
           according
           to
           the
           mind
           and
           will
           of
           God
           ;
           namely
           to
           endeavour
           after
           a
           sound
           and
           stedfast
           mind
           .
           It
           is
           a
           signal
           Grace
           to
           have
           the
           Spirit
           of
           power
           and
           love
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           sound
           mind
           ,
           2
           Tim.
           1.
           7.
           
           A
           stable
           ,
           solid
           ,
           resolved
           mind
           in
           the
           things
           of
           God
           ,
           not
           easily
           moved
           ,
           diverted
           ,
           changed
           ,
           not
           drawn
           aside
           ,
           a
           mind
           not
           apt
           to
           hearken
           after
           corrupt
           reasonings
           ,
           vain
           insinuations
           ,
           or
           pretences
           to
           draw
           it
           off
           from
           its
           duty
           .
           This
           is
           that
           which
           the
           Apostle
           exhorts
           Believers
           unto
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           15.
           38.
           
           
             Therefore
             my
             beloved
             Brethren
             ,
             be
             stedfast
             ,
             unmoveable
             ,
             alwayes
             abounding
             in
             the
             work
             of
             the
             Lord.
          
           The
           stedfastness
           of
           our
           minds
           abiding
           in
           their
           duty
           ,
           is
           the
           cause
           of
           all
           our
           unmoveableness
           ,
           and
           fruitfulness
           in
           obedience
           .
           And
           so
           Peter
           tells
           us
           that
           those
           who
           are
           by
           any
           means
           led
           away
           ,
           or
           
             enticed
             ,
             they
             fall
             from
             their
             own
             stedfastness
             ,
          
           2
           Pet.
           3.
           7.
           
           And
           the
           great
           blame
           that
           is
           laid
           upon
           Backsliders
           is
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           
             not
             stedfast
             ,
             Psal.
          
           78.
           37.
           
           
             Their
             Spirit
             was
             not
             stedfast
          
           .
           For
           if
           the
           soul
           
           be
           safe
           ,
           unless
           the
           mind
           be
           drawn
           off
           from
           its
           duty
           ,
           the
           soundness
           and
           stedfastness
           of
           the
           mind
           is
           its
           great
           preservative
           .
           And
           there
           are
           three
           parts
           of
           this
           stedfastness
           of
           the
           mind
           .
           First
           ,
           A
           full
           purpose
           of
           cleaving
           to
           God
           in
           all
           things
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           A
           daily
           renovation
           and
           quickning
           of
           the
           heart
           unto
           a
           discharge
           of
           this
           purpose
           .
           Thirdly
           ,
           Resolutions
           against
           all
           dalliances
           or
           parlies
           about
           negligencies
           in
           that
           discharge
           ;
           which
           are
           not
           here
           to
           be
           spoken
           unto
           .
        
      
       
         
           CHAP.
           X.
           
        
         
           
             The
             Deceit
             of
             Sin
             in
             drawing
             off
             the
             Mind
             from
             its
             Attendance
             unto
             particular
             Duties
             farther
             discovered
             .
             Several
             things
             required
             in
             the
             Mind
             of
             Believers
             with
             respect
             unto
             particular
             Duties
             of
             Obedience
             .
             The
             Actings
             of
             Sin
             in
             a
             way
             of
             Deceit
             ,
             to
             divert
             the
             mind
             from
             them
             .
          
        
         
           WE
           have
           not
           as
           yet
           brought
           unto
           an
           Issue
           the
           
             First
             way
          
           of
           the
           working
           of
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           ,
           namely
           ,
           in
           its
           
             drawing
             away
             of
             the
             mind
          
           from
           the
           discharge
           of
           its
           duty
           ,
           which
           we
           insist
           upon
           the
           longer
           upon
           a
           double
           account
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           Because
           of
           its
           importance
           and
           concernment
           .
           If
           the
           mind
           be
           drawn
           off
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           tainted
           ,
           weakned
           ,
           turned
           aside
           from
           a
           due
           and
           strict
           attendance
           unto
           its
           charge
           and
           Office
           ,
           the
           whole
           Soul
           ,
           Will
           ,
           and
           Affections
           ,
           are
           certainly
           entangled
           and
           drawn
           
           into
           sin
           ,
           as
           hath
           been
           in
           part
           declared
           ,
           and
           will
           afterwards
           farther
           appear
           .
           This
           we
           ought
           therefore
           to
           give
           diligent
           heed
           unto
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           design
           of
           the
           Apostles
           Exhortation
           ,
           Heb.
           2.
           1.
           
           
             Therefore
             we
             ought
             to
             give
             the
             more
             earnest
             heed
             to
             the
             things
             which
             we
             have
             heard
             ,
             lost
             at
             any
             time
             we
             should
             let
             them
             slip
             .
          
           It
           is
           a
           failure
           of
           our
           minds
           ,
           by
           the
           deceitfulness
           of
           sin
           ,
           in
           losing
           the
           life
           ,
           power
           ,
           sense
           and
           impression
           of
           the
           Word
           which
           he
           cautions
           us
           against
           .
           And
           there
           is
           no
           way
           to
           prevent
           it
           but
           by
           giving
           of
           most
           
             earnest
             heed
          
           unto
           the
           things
           which
           we
           have
           heard
           ,
           which
           expresseth
           the
           whole
           duty
           of
           our
           minds
           in
           attending
           unto
           obedience
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Because
           the
           actings
           and
           workings
           of
           the
           mind
           being
           spiritual
           ,
           are
           such
           as
           the
           conscience
           unless
           clearly
           enlightened
           ,
           and
           duly
           excited
           and
           stirred
           up
           ,
           is
           not
           affected
           withal
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           take
           due
           notice
           of
           them
           .
           Conscience
           is
           not
           apt
           to
           exercise
           reflex
           acts
           upon
           the
           minds
           failures
           ,
           as
           principally
           respecting
           the
           acts
           of
           the
           whole
           soul.
           When
           the
           Affections
           are
           entangled
           with
           sin
           (
           of
           which
           afterwards
           )
           or
           the
           Will
           begins
           to
           conceive
           it
           by
           its
           express
           consent
           ,
           Conscience
           is
           apt
           to
           make
           an
           uproar
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           to
           give
           it
           no
           rest
           or
           quiet
           until
           the
           soul
           be
           reclaimed
           ,
           or
           it self
           be
           one
           way
           or
           other
           bribed
           or
           debauched
           .
           But
           these
           neglects
           of
           the
           mind
           being
           spiritual
           ,
           without
           very
           diligent
           attendance
           ,
           they
           are
           seldom
           taken
           notice
           of
           .
           Our
           minds
           are
           often
           in
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           called
           our
           Spirits
           ,
           as
           Rom.
           1.
           9.
           
           
             Whom
             I
             serve
             in
             my
             Spirit
          
           ;
           and
           are
           distinguished
           from
           the
           soul
           ,
           which
           principally
           intends
           the
           Affections
           ,
           in
           that
           distribution
           ,
           1
           Thess.
           5.
           23.
           
           Sanctifie
           you
           wholly
           ,
           
             your
             
             whole
             spirit
             and
             soul
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           your
           mind
           and
           Affections
           .
           It
           is
           true
           where
           the
           Spirit
           is
           used
           to
           express
           spiritual
           gifts
           ,
           it
           is
           as
           unto
           those
           gifts
           opposed
           to
           our
           understandings
           ,
           1
           Cor
           14.
           15.
           
           Which
           is
           there
           taken
           for
           the
           first
           act
           of
           the
           mind
           in
           a
           rational
           perception
           of
           things
           .
           But
           as
           that
           word
           is
           applyed
           unto
           any
           faculty
           of
           our
           souls
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           mind
           that
           it
           expresseth
           .
           This
           then
           being
           
             our
             Spirit
          
           ,
           the
           actings
           of
           it
           are
           secret
           and
           hidden
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           be
           discovered
           without
           spiritual
           wisdom
           and
           diligence
           .
           Let
           us
           not
           suppose
           then
           that
           we
           dwell
           too
           long
           on
           this
           consideration
           ,
           which
           is
           of
           so
           great
           importance
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           yet
           so
           hidden
           ,
           and
           which
           we
           are
           apt
           to
           be
           very
           insensible
           of
           ;
           and
           yet
           our
           carefulness
           in
           this
           matter
           is
           one
           of
           the
           best
           evidences
           that
           we
           have
           of
           our
           sincerity
           .
           Let
           us
           not
           then
           be
           like
           a
           man
           that
           is
           sensible
           ,
           and
           complains
           of
           a
           cut
           finger
           ,
           but
           not
           of
           a
           decay
           of
           Spirits
           tending
           unto
           death
           .
           There
           remains
           therefore
           as
           unto
           this
           head
           of
           our
           discourse
           ,
           the
           consideration
           of
           the
           charge
           of
           the
           mind
           in
           reference
           unto
           particular
           duties
           and
           sins
           .
           And
           in
           the
           consideration
           of
           it
           ,
           we
           shall
           do
           these
           two
           things
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           Shew
           what
           is
           required
           in
           the
           
             mind
             of
             a
             Believer
          
           in
           reference
           unto
           particular
           duties
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Declare
           the
           way
           of
           the
           working
           of
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           to
           draw
           it
           off
           from
           its
           attendance
           thereunto
           .
           The
           like
           also
           shall
           be
           done
           with
           respect
           unto
           particular
           sins
           ,
           and
           their
           avoidance
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           For
           the
           right
           performance
           of
           any
           Duty
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           enough
           that
           the
           thing
           it self
           required
           be
           performed
           ,
           but
           that
           it
           be
           universally
           squared
           and
           fitted
           unto
           the
           rule
           of
           it
           .
           Herein
           lyes
           the
           great
           duty
           of
           the
           mind
           ,
           namely
           ,
           to
           attend
           unto
           the
           Rule
           of
           
           duties
           ,
           and
           to
           take
           care
           that
           all
           the
           concernments
           of
           them
           be
           ordered
           thereby
           .
           Our
           progress
           in
           obedience
           ,
           is
           our
           edification
           or
           building
           .
           Now
           it
           is
           but
           a
           very
           little
           fartherance
           unto
           a
           building
           ,
           that
           a
           man
           bring
           wood
           and
           stones
           and
           heap
           them
           up
           together
           without
           order
           .
           They
           must
           be
           hewed
           and
           squared
           ,
           and
           fitted
           by
           line
           and
           rule
           ,
           if
           we
           intend
           to
           build
           .
           Nor
           is
           it
           unto
           any
           advantage
           unto
           our
           edification
           in
           faith
           and
           obedience
           ,
           that
           we
           multiply
           duties
           ,
           if
           we
           heap
           them
           upon
           one
           another
           ,
           if
           we
           order
           and
           dispose
           them
           not
           according
           to
           rule
           .
           And
           therefore
           doth
           God
           expresly
           reject
           a
           
             multitude
             of
             duties
          
           when
           not
           universally
           suited
           unto
           the
           Rule
           ,
           Isa.
           1.
           11.
           
           
             To
             what
             purpose
             is
             the
             multitude
             of
             your
             Sacrifices
          
           ;
           and
           v.
           14.
           
           
             They
             are
             a
             trouble
             unto
             me
             ,
             I
             am
             weary
             to
             bear
             them
             .
          
           And
           therefore
           all
           acceptable
           obedience
           is
           called
           a
           proceeding
           according
           unto
           rule
           ,
           Gal.
           6.
           16.
           it
           is
           a
           Canonical
           ,
           or
           regular
           obedience
           .
           As
           
             letters
             in
             the
             Alphabet
          
           heaped
           together
           signifie
           nothing
           ,
           unless
           they
           are
           disposed
           into
           their
           proper
           order
           ;
           no
           more
           do
           our
           duties
           without
           this
           disposal
           .
           That
           they
           be
           so
           ,
           is
           the
           great
           duty
           of
           the
           mind
           ,
           and
           which
           with
           all
           diligence
           it
           is
           to
           attend
           unto
           ,
           Ephes.
           5.
           15.
           
           
             Walk
             circumspectly
          
           ,
           exactly
           ,
           accurately
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           diligently
           in
           all
           things
           ,
           take
           heed
           to
           the
           Rule
           of
           what
           you
           do
           .
           We
           Walk
           in
           duties
           ,
           but
           we
           walk
           circumspectly
           in
           this
           attention
           of
           the
           mind
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           There
           are
           some
           special
           things
           which
           the
           Rule
           directs
           unto
           ,
           that
           the
           mind
           is
           to
           attend
           in
           every
           duty
           ;
           as
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           as
           to
           the
           matter
           of
           it
           ,
           it
           be
           full
           and
           compleat
           .
           Under
           the
           Law
           ,
           no
           Beast
           was
           allowed
           to
           be
           a
           Sacrifice
           that
           had
           any
           member
           wanting
           ,
           
           any
           defect
           of
           parts
           .
           Such
           were
           rejected
           as
           well
           as
           those
           that
           were
           lame
           or
           blind
           .
           Duties
           must
           be
           compleat
           as
           to
           the
           parts
           ,
           the
           matter
           of
           them
           .
           There
           may
           be
           such
           a
           part
           of
           the
           price
           kept
           back
           ,
           as
           may
           make
           the
           tendering
           of
           all
           the
           residue
           unacceptable
           ,
           Saul
           sparing
           Agag
           and
           the
           fattest
           of
           the
           Cattle
           ,
           rendered
           the
           destroying
           of
           all
           the
           rest
           useless
           .
           Thus
           when
           men
           will
           
             give
             alms
          
           ,
           or
           perform
           other
           services
           ,
           but
           not
           unto
           the
           proportion
           that
           the
           Rule
           requireth
           ,
           and
           which
           the
           mind
           by
           diligent
           attention
           unto
           it
           might
           discover
           ,
           the
           whole
           duty
           is
           vitiated
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           As
           to
           the
           Principle
           of
           it
           ,
           namely
           ,
           that
           it
           be
           done
           in
           faith
           ,
           and
           therein
           by
           an
           actual
           derivation
           of
           strength
           from
           Christ
           ,
           (
           John
           15.
           5.
           
           )
           without
           whom
           
             we
             can
             do
             nothing
          
           .
           It
           is
           not
           enough
           that
           the
           Person
           be
           a
           Believer
           ,
           though
           that
           be
           necessary
           unto
           every
           good
           work
           ,
           Ephes.
           2.
           10.
           
           But
           also
           that
           faith
           be
           peculiarly
           acted
           in
           every
           duty
           that
           we
           do
           .
           For
           our
           whole
           obedience
           is
           the
           
             obedience
             of
             faith
             ,
             Rom.
          
           1.
           5.
           that
           is
           ,
           which
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           faith
           requireth
           ,
           and
           which
           the
           grace
           of
           faith
           beareth
           or
           bringeth
           forth
           .
           So
           Christ
           is
           expresly
           said
           to
           be
           
             our
             life
             ,
             Col.
          
           3.
           4.
           
           Our
           spiritual
           life
           ,
           that
           is
           the
           Spring
           ,
           Author
           ,
           and
           Cause
           of
           it
           .
           Now
           as
           in
           life
           natural
           ,
           no
           vital
           act
           can
           be
           performed
           ,
           but
           by
           the
           actual
           operation
           of
           the
           principle
           of
           life
           it self
           ;
           So
           in
           life
           spiritual
           ,
           no
           spiritually
           vital
           act
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           no
           duty
           acceptable
           to
           God
           ,
           can
           be
           performed
           but
           by
           the
           actual
           working
           of
           Christ
           ,
           who
           is
           our
           life
           .
           And
           this
           is
           no
           other
           way
           derived
           unto
           us
           but
           by
           faith
           .
           Whence
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           Gal.
           2.
           20.
           
           
             Christ
             liveth
             in
             me
             ,
             and
             the
             life
             which
             I
             now
             lead
             in
             the
             flesh
             ,
             is
             by
             the
             faith
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God.
          
           
           Not
           only
           was
           Christ
           his
           life
           ,
           a
           living
           principle
           unto
           him
           ,
           but
           he
           
             led
             a
             life
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           discharged
           vital
           actions
           in
           all
           duties
           of
           holiness
           and
           obedience
           ,
           by
           the
           faith
           of
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           ,
           or
           in
           him
           ;
           deriving
           supplies
           of
           Grace
           and
           strength
           from
           him
           thereby
           .
           This
           therefore
           ought
           a
           Believer
           diligently
           to
           attend
           unto
           ,
           namely
           ,
           that
           every
           thing
           he
           doth
           to
           God
           ,
           be
           done
           in
           the
           strength
           of
           Christ
           ;
           which
           wherein
           it
           consisteth
           ought
           diligently
           to
           be
           enquired
           into
           by
           all
           who
           intend
           to
           walk
           with
           God.
           
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           In
           this
           respect
           unto
           Rule
           ,
           the
           manner
           of
           the
           performance
           of
           every
           duty
           is
           to
           be
           regarded
           .
           Now
           there
           are
           two
           things
           in
           the
           manner
           of
           the
           performance
           of
           any
           duty
           which
           a
           Believer
           ,
           who
           is
           trusted
           with
           spiritual
           light
           ,
           ought
           to
           attend
           unto
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           that
           it
           be
           done
           
             in
             the
             way
          
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           means
           that
           God
           hath
           prescribed
           with
           respect
           unto
           the
           ou●ward
           manner
           of
           its
           performance
           .
           And
           this
           is
           especially
           to
           be
           regarded
           in
           duties
           of
           the
           worship
           of
           God
           ;
           the
           matter
           and
           outward
           manner
           whereof
           do
           both
           equally
           fall
           under
           his
           command
           .
           If
           this
           be
           not
           regarded
           ,
           the
           whole
           duty
           is
           vitiated
           .
           I
           speak
           not
           of
           them
           who
           suffer
           themselves
           to
           be
           deluded
           by
           the
           
             deceitfulness
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           utterly
           to
           disregard
           the
           rule
           of
           the
           word
           in
           such
           things
           ,
           and
           to
           worship
           God
           according
           to
           their
           own
           imaginations
           ;
           but
           of
           them
           principally
           ,
           who
           although
           they
           in
           general
           prosess
           to
           do
           nothing
           but
           what
           God
           requires
           ,
           and
           as
           he
           requires
           it
           ,
           yet
           do
           not
           diligently
           attend
           to
           the
           Rule
           ,
           to
           make
           the
           Authority
           of
           God
           to
           be
           the
           sole
           cause
           and
           reason
           both
           of
           what
           they
           do
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           manner
           of
           the
           performance
           of
           it
           .
           And
           this
           is
           the
           reason
           that
           God
           so
           often
           calls
           on
           his
           People
           to
           
             consider
             diligently
          
           and
           wisely
           ,
           that
           
           they
           may
           do
           all
           according
           as
           he
           had
           commanded
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           The
           Affections
           of
           the
           heart
           and
           mind
           in
           duties
           belong
           to
           the
           performance
           of
           them
           in
           the
           inward
           manner
           .
           The
           prescriptions
           and
           commands
           of
           God
           for
           attendance
           hereunto
           are
           innumerable
           ,
           and
           the
           want
           hereof
           renders
           every
           duty
           an
           abomination
           unto
           him
           .
           A
           Sacrifice
           without
           an
           heart
           ,
           without
           salt
           ,
           without
           fire
           ,
           of
           what
           value
           is
           it
           ?
           No
           more
           are
           duties
           without
           spiritual
           Affections
           .
           And
           herein
           is
           the
           mind
           to
           keep
           the
           charge
           of
           God
           ;
           to
           see
           that
           the
           heart
           which
           he
           requires
           be
           tendered
           to
           him
           .
           And
           we
           find
           also
           that
           God
           requireth
           especial
           Affections
           to
           accompany
           special
           duties
           .
           
             He
             that
             gives
             with
             chearfulness
          
           ;
           which
           if
           they
           are
           not
           attended
           unto
           ,
           the
           whole
           is
           lost
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           The
           mind
           is
           to
           attend
           unto
           the
           Ends
           of
           duties
           ;
           and
           therein
           principally
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           in
           Christ.
           Several
           other
           ends
           will
           sin
           and
           self
           impose
           upon
           our
           duties
           :
           Especially
           two
           it
           will
           press
           hard
           upon
           us
           with
           :
           First
           ,
           
             Satisfaction
             of
             our
             convictions
          
           and
           consciences
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           
             The
             praise
             of
             men
          
           .
           For
           self-righteousness
           and
           ostentation
           are
           the
           main
           ends
           of
           Men
           that
           are
           fallen
           off
           from
           God
           in
           all
           moral
           duties
           whatsoever
           .
           In
           their
           sins
           they
           endeavour
           for
           to
           satisfie
           their
           lusts
           ,
           in
           their
           duties
           ,
           their
           conviction
           ,
           and
           pride
           .
           These
           the
           mind
           of
           a
           Believer
           is
           diligently
           to
           watch
           against
           ,
           and
           to
           keep
           up
           in
           all
           a
           single
           eye
           to
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           that
           which
           answers
           the
           great
           and
           general
           rule
           of
           all
           our
           obedience
           ;
           
             Whatever
             you
             do
             ,
             do
             it
             all
             to
             the
             glory
             of
             God.
          
           These
           and
           the
           like
           things
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           which
           are
           commonly
           spoken
           unto
           ,
           is
           the
           mind
           of
           a
           Believer
           obliged
           to
           attend
           diligently
           and
           constantly
           
           unto
           ,
           with
           respect
           unto
           all
           the
           particular
           duties
           of
           our
           walking
           before
           God.
           Here
           then
           lyes
           no
           small
           part
           of
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           .
           Namely
           ,
           to
           
             draw
             the
             mind
             off
          
           from
           this
           watch
           ,
           to
           bring
           an
           inadvertency
           upon
           it
           ,
           that
           it
           shall
           not
           in
           these
           things
           keep
           the
           watch
           and
           charge
           of
           the
           Lord.
           And
           if
           it
           can
           do
           so
           ,
           and
           thereby
           strip
           our
           duties
           of
           all
           their
           excellencies
           which
           lye
           in
           these
           concernments
           of
           them
           ,
           that
           the
           mind
           is
           to
           attend
           unto
           it
           will
           not
           much
           trouble
           it self
           nor
           us
           about
           the
           duties
           themselves
           .
           And
           this
           it
           attempts
           several
           wayes
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           By
           perswading
           the
           mind
           to
           content
           it self
           with
           generals
           ,
           and
           to
           take
           it
           off
           from
           attending
           unto
           things
           in
           particular
           instances
           .
           For
           example
           ;
           it
           would
           perswade
           the
           soul
           to
           rest
           satisfied
           in
           a
           
             general
             aim
          
           of
           doing
           things
           to
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           without
           considering
           how
           every
           particular
           duty
           may
           have
           that
           tendency
           .
           Thus
           Saul
           thought
           that
           he
           had
           fulfilled
           his
           whole
           duty
           ,
           and
           done
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           sought
           his
           Glory
           in
           his
           war
           against
           Amalek
           ,
           when
           for
           want
           of
           attendance
           to
           every
           particular
           duty
           in
           that
           service
           ,
           he
           had
           dishonoured
           God
           ,
           and
           ruined
           himself
           and
           his
           Posterity
           .
           And
           men
           may
           perswade
           themselves
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           a
           general
           design
           for
           the
           
             Glory
             of
             God
          
           ,
           when
           they
           have
           no
           active
           principle
           in
           particular
           duties
           tending
           at
           all
           that
           way
           .
           But
           if
           ,
           instead
           of
           fixing
           the
           mind
           by
           faith
           on
           the
           peculiar
           advancing
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           in
           a
           duty
           ,
           the
           soul
           content
           it self
           with
           a
           
             general
             notion
          
           of
           doing
           so
           ,
           the
           mind
           is
           already
           diverted
           and
           draw
           off
           from
           its
           charge
           by
           the
           deceitfulness
           of
           sin
           .
           If
           a
           man
           be
           travelling
           in
           a
           journey
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           only
           required
           of
           him
           ,
           that
           he
           bend
           
           his
           course
           that
           way
           ,
           and
           so
           go
           on
           ,
           but
           if
           he
           attend
           not
           unto
           every
           turning
           ,
           and
           other
           occurrences
           in
           his
           way
           ,
           he
           may
           wander
           and
           never
           come
           to
           his
           journeys
           end
           .
           And
           if
           we
           suppose
           that
           in
           general
           we
           aim
           at
           the
           Glory
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           we
           all
           prosess
           to
           do
           ,
           yet
           if
           we
           attend
           not
           unto
           it
           distinctly
           upon
           every
           duty
           that
           occurs
           in
           our
           way
           ,
           we
           shall
           never
           attain
           the
           end
           aimed
           at
           .
           And
           he
           who
           satisfies
           himself
           with
           this
           general
           purpose
           ,
           without
           acting
           it
           in
           every
           special
           duty
           ,
           will
           not
           long
           retain
           that
           purpose
           neither
           .
           It
           doth
           the
           same
           work
           upon
           the
           mind
           in
           reference
           unto
           the
           principle
           of
           our
           duties
           ,
           as
           it
           doth
           unto
           the
           end
           .
           Their
           principle
           is
           ,
           that
           they
           be
           done
           in
           faith
           ,
           in
           the
           strength
           of
           Christ
           ;
           but
           if
           men
           content
           themselves
           that
           they
           are
           Believers
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           faith
           ,
           and
           do
           not
           labour
           in
           every
           particular
           duty
           to
           act
           faith
           ,
           to
           lead
           their
           spiritual
           lives
           in
           all
           the
           acts
           of
           them
           
             by
             the
             faith
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
          
           the
           mind
           is
           drawn
           off
           from
           its
           duty
           .
           It
           is
           particular
           actions
           wherein
           we
           express
           and
           exercise
           our
           faith
           and
           obedience
           ;
           and
           what
           we
           are
           in
           them
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           ,
           and
           no
           more
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           draws
           off
           the
           mind
           from
           the
           duties
           before
           mentioned
           ,
           by
           insinuating
           a
           secret
           contentment
           unto
           it
           from
           the
           duty
           it self
           performed
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           matter
           of
           it
           .
           This
           is
           a
           fair
           discharge
           of
           a
           natural
           conscience
           .
           If
           the
           duty
           be
           performed
           ,
           though
           as
           to
           the
           manner
           of
           its
           performance
           it
           come
           short
           almost
           in
           all
           things
           of
           the
           rule
           ,
           conscience
           and
           conviction
           will
           be
           satisfied
           .
           As
           Saul
           ,
           upon
           his
           expedition
           against
           Amalek
           ,
           cries
           to
           
             Samuel
             ,
             Come
             in
             ,
             thou
             blessed
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             I
             have
             done
             the
             commandment
             of
             the
             Lord.
          
           He
           satisfied
           himself
           ,
           though
           he
           
           had
           not
           attended
           as
           he
           ought
           to
           the
           whole
           will
           of
           God
           in
           that
           matter
           .
           And
           thus
           was
           it
           with
           them
           ,
           Isa.
           58.
           3.
           
             wherefore
             have
             we
             fasted
          
           ,
           say
           they
           ,
           
             and
             thou
             regardest
             it
             not
          
           ;
           they
           had
           pleased
           themselves
           in
           the
           performance
           of
           their
           duties
           ,
           and
           expected
           that
           God
           also
           should
           be
           pleased
           with
           them
           .
           But
           he
           shews
           them
           at
           large
           wherein
           they
           had
           failed
           ,
           and
           that
           so
           far
           as
           to
           render
           what
           they
           had
           done
           an
           abomination
           .
           And
           the
           like
           charge
           he
           expresseth
           against
           them
           ,
           chap.
           48.
           1
           ,
           2.
           
           This
           the
           deceitfulness
           of
           sin
           endeavours
           to
           draw
           the
           mind
           unto
           ,
           namely
           to
           take
           up
           in
           the
           performance
           of
           the
           duty
           it self
           .
           Pray
           thou
           oughtest
           ,
           and
           thou
           hast
           prayed
           ,
           give
           alms
           thou
           oughtest
           ,
           and
           thou
           hast
           given
           alms
           ;
           quiet
           then
           thy self
           in
           what
           thou
           hast
           done
           ,
           and
           go
           on
           to
           do
           the
           like
           .
           If
           it
           prevail
           herein
           ,
           the
           mind
           is
           discharged
           from
           farther
           attendance
           and
           watching
           unto
           duty
           ,
           which
           leaves
           the
           soul
           on
           the
           borders
           of
           many
           evils
           .
           For
           ,
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Hence
           customariness
           in
           all
           duties
           will
           quickly
           ensue
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           height
           of
           sins
           drawing
           off
           the
           mind
           from
           duty
           .
           For
           mens
           minds
           may
           be
           drawn
           from
           all
           duties
           ,
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           the
           most
           abundant
           performance
           of
           them
           .
           For
           in
           and
           under
           them
           ,
           the
           mind
           may
           be
           subject
           unto
           an
           habitual
           diversion
           from
           its
           charge
           and
           watch
           unto
           the
           rule
           .
           What
           is
           done
           with
           such
           a
           frame
           ,
           is
           not
           done
           to
           God
           ,
           Amos
           5.
           25.
           
           None
           of
           their
           Sacrifices
           were
           to
           God
           ,
           although
           they
           professed
           that
           they
           were
           all
           so
           .
           But
           they
           attended
           not
           unto
           his
           Worship
           in
           faith
           ,
           and
           unto
           his
           glory
           ,
           and
           he
           despised
           all
           their
           duties
           .
           See
           also
           Hos.
           10.
           1.
           
           And
           this
           is
           the
           great
           reason
           why
           Professors
           thrive
           so
           little
           under
           the
           
           performance
           of
           a
           multitude
           of
           duties
           .
           They
           attend
           not
           unto
           them
           in
           a
           
             due
             manner
          
           ,
           their
           minds
           being
           drawn
           off
           from
           their
           circumspect
           watch
           ,
           and
           so
           they
           have
           little
           or
           no
           communion
           with
           God
           in
           them
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           end
           whereunto
           they
           are
           designed
           ,
           and
           by
           which
           alone
           they
           become
           useful
           and
           profitable
           unto
           themselves
           .
           And
           in
           this
           manner
           are
           many
           duties
           of
           worship
           and
           obedience
           performed
           by
           a
           woful
           generation
           of
           Hypocrites
           ,
           Formalists
           ,
           and
           profane
           persons
           ,
           without
           either
           life
           or
           light
           in
           themselves
           ,
           or
           acceptation
           with
           God
           ;
           their
           minds
           being
           wholly
           estranged
           from
           a
           due
           attendance
           unto
           what
           they
           do
           ,
           by
           the
           power
           and
           deceitfulness
           of
           sin
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           As
           it
           is
           in
           respect
           of
           duties
           ,
           so
           also
           it
           is
           in
           respect
           of
           sins
           .
           There
           are
           sundry
           things
           in
           and
           about
           
             every
             sin
          
           that
           the
           mind
           of
           a
           Believer
           ,
           by
           vertue
           of
           its
           office
           and
           duty
           is
           obliged
           to
           attend
           diligently
           unto
           ,
           for
           the
           preservation
           of
           the
           soul
           from
           it
           .
           Things
           they
           are
           which
           God
           hath
           appointed
           and
           sanctified
           ,
           to
           give
           effectual
           rebukes
           and
           checks
           to
           the
           whole
           working
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           such
           as
           in
           the
           Law
           of
           grace
           ,
           under
           which
           we
           are
           ,
           are
           exceedingly
           suited
           and
           fitted
           unto
           that
           purpose
           .
           And
           these
           the
           
             deceit
             of
             sin
          
           endeavours
           by
           all
           means
           to
           draw
           off
           the
           mind
           from
           a
           due
           consideration
           of
           ,
           and
           attendance
           unto
           .
           Some
           few
           of
           them
           we
           shall
           a
           little
           reflect
           upon
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           The
           first
           and
           most
           general
           is
           the
           Sovereignty
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           great
           Law-giver
           ,
           by
           whom
           it
           is
           forbidden
           .
           This
           Joseph
           fixed
           on
           in
           his
           great
           temptation
           ,
           Gen.
           39.
           9.
           
           
             How
             can
             I
             do
             this
             great
             wickedness
             and
             sin
             against
             God
             ?
          
           There
           was
           in
           it
           a
           
           great
           evil
           ,
           a
           great
           ingratitude
           against
           man
           ,
           which
           he
           pleads
           also
           and
           insists
           upon
           ,
           ver
           .
           8
           ,
           9.
           but
           that
           which
           fixed
           his
           heart
           and
           resolution
           against
           it
           ,
           was
           the
           formality
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           it
           was
           
             sin
             against
             God
          
           ,
           by
           whom
           it
           was
           severely
           forbidden
           .
           So
           the
           Apostle
           informs
           us
           ,
           that
           in
           our
           dealing
           in
           any
           thing
           that
           is
           against
           the
           Law
           ,
           our
           respect
           is
           still
           to
           be
           unto
           the
           Law-giver
           and
           his
           Sovereignty
           :
           James
           4.
           11
           ,
           12.
           
           
             If
             thou
             judge
             the
             Law
             ,
             thou
             art
             not
             a
             doer
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             but
             a
             judge
             ;
             there
             is
             one
             Law-giver
             who
             is
             able
             to
             save
             and
             to
             destroy
             .
          
           Consider
           this
           always
           ,
           there
           is
           one
           Law-giver
           ,
           holy
           ,
           righteous
           ,
           armed
           with
           Sovereign
           Power
           and
           Authority
           ;
           he
           is
           able
           to
           save
           and
           destroy
           .
           Hence
           sin
           is
           called
           a
           rebellion
           ,
           a
           casting
           off
           his
           yoke
           ,
           a
           despising
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           that
           in
           his
           Sovereignty
           ,
           as
           the
           great
           Law-giver
           ;
           and
           this
           ought
           the
           mind
           always
           practically
           to
           attend
           unto
           ,
           in
           all
           the
           lustings
           ,
           actings
           and
           suggestions
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           ,
           especially
           when
           advantaged
           by
           any
           suitable
           or
           vigorous
           temptation
           .
           It
           is
           
             God
             that
             hath
             forbidden
             this
             thing
             ,
          
           the
           great
           Law-giver
           ,
           under
           whose
           absolute
           Sovereignty
           I
           am
           ,
           in
           dependance
           on
           whon
           I
           live
           ,
           and
           by
           whom
           I
           am
           to
           be
           disposed
           of
           ,
           as
           to
           my
           present
           and
           eternal
           condition
           .
           This
           Eve
           fixed
           on
           at
           the
           beginning
           of
           her
           temptation
           ,
           
             God
             hath
             said
             ,
             we
             must
             not
             eat
             of
             this
             tree
             ,
             Gen.
          
           3.
           3.
           but
           she
           kept
           not
           her
           ground
           ,
           she
           abode
           not
           by
           that
           consideration
           ,
           but
           suffered
           her
           mind
           to
           be
           diverted
           from
           it
           by
           the
           subtilty
           of
           Sathan
           ,
           which
           was
           the
           entrance
           of
           her
           transgression
           ;
           and
           so
           it
           is
           unto
           us
           all
           in
           our
           deviations
           from
           obedience
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           The
           
             deceit
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           of
           every
           sin
           ,
           the
           punishment
           appointed
           unto
           it
           in
           the
           Law
           ,
           is
           another
           
           thing
           that
           the
           mind
           ought
           actually
           to
           attend
           unto
           ,
           in
           reference
           unto
           every
           particular
           evil
           .
           And
           the
           diversions
           from
           this
           ,
           that
           the
           minds
           of
           men
           have
           been
           doctrinally
           and
           practically
           attended
           withall
           ,
           have
           been
           an
           inlet
           into
           all
           manner
           of
           abominations
           .
           Job
           professeth
           another
           frame
           in
           himself
           ,
           chap.
           31.
           23.
           
           
             Destruction
             from
             God
             was
             a
             terrour
             unto
             me
             ,
             and
             by
             reason
             of
             his
             highness
             I
             could
             not
             endure
             .
          
           Many
           evils
           he
           had
           mentioned
           in
           the
           fore-going
           verses
           ,
           and
           pleads
           his
           innocency
           from
           them
           ,
           although
           they
           were
           such
           as
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           his
           Greatness
           and
           Power
           ,
           he
           could
           have
           committed
           easily
           without
           fear
           of
           danger
           from
           men
           .
           Here
           he
           gives
           the
           reason
           that
           prevailed
           with
           him
           so
           carefully
           to
           abstain
           from
           them
           ,
           
             Destruction
             from
             God
             was
             a
             terrour
             to
             me
             ,
             and
             by
             reason
             of
             his
             highness
             I
             could
             not
             endure
             .
          
           I
           considered
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           that
           God
           had
           appointed
           death
           and
           destruction
           for
           the
           punishment
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           that
           such
           was
           his
           greatness
           ,
           highness
           ,
           and
           power
           ,
           that
           he
           could
           inflict
           it
           unto
           the
           uttermost
           ,
           in
           such
           a
           way
           as
           no
           creature
           is
           able
           to
           abide
           or
           to
           avoid
           .
           So
           the
           Apostle
           directs
           Believers
           always
           to
           consider
           what
           a
           
             fearful
             thing
             it
             is
             to
             fall
             into
             the
             hands
             of
             the
             living
             God
             ,
             Heb.
          
           10.
           31.
           
           And
           that
           because
           he
           hath
           said
           ,
           
             Vengeance
             is
             mine
             ,
             I
             will
             recompence
             ,
             ver
             .
          
           30.
           
           He
           is
           a
           
             sin-avenging
             God
          
           ,
           that
           will
           by
           no
           means
           acquit
           the
           guilty
           ;
           as
           in
           the
           declaration
           of
           his
           gracious
           Name
           ,
           infinitely
           full
           of
           encouragements
           to
           poor
           sinners
           in
           Christ
           ,
           he
           addes
           that
           in
           the
           close
           ,
           that
           he
           will
           by
           no
           means
           clear
           the
           guilty
           ,
           Exod.
           34.
           7.
           
           That
           he
           may
           keep
           upon
           the
           minds
           of
           them
           whom
           he
           pardoneth
           ,
           a
           due
           sense
           of
           the
           punishment
           that
           is
           due
           from
           his
           
             vindictive
             
             Justice
          
           unto
           every
           sin
           .
           And
           so
           the
           Apostle
           would
           have
           us
           mind
           ,
           that
           even
           our
           
             God
             is
             a
             consuming
             fire
             ,
             Heb.
          
           12.
           29.
           that
           is
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           consider
           his
           holiness
           and
           vindictive
           Justice
           ,
           appointing
           unto
           sin
           a
           meet
           recompence
           of
           reward
           .
           And
           mens
           breaking
           through
           this
           consideration
           ,
           he
           reckons
           as
           the
           height
           of
           the
           aggravation
           of
           their
           sins
           ,
           Rom.
           1.
           32.
           
           
             They
             know
             that
             it
             is
             the
             judgment
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             they
             which
             commit
             such
             things
             were
             worthy
             of
             death
             ,
             yet
             continued
             to
             do
             them
             :
          
           What
           hope
           is
           there
           for
           such
           persons
           ?
           There
           is
           indeed
           relief
           against
           this
           consideration
           for
           humbled
           believing
           souls
           in
           the
           blood
           of
           Christ
           ;
           but
           this
           relief
           is
           not
           to
           
             take
             off
             the
             mind
          
           from
           it
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           appointed
           of
           God
           to
           be
           a
           restraint
           from
           sin
           .
           And
           both
           these
           considerations
           ,
           even
           the
           Sovereignty
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           
             punishment
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           are
           put
           together
           by
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           Matth.
           10.
           28.
           
           
             Fear
             not
             them
             which
             kill
             the
             body
             ,
             but
             are
             not
             able
             to
             kill
             the
             soul
             ;
             but
             rather
             fear
             him
             which
             is
             able
             to
             destroy
             both
             soul
             and
             body
             in
             hell
             .
          
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           The
           consideration
           of
           all
           the
           
             love
             and
             kindness
          
           of
           God
           ,
           against
           whom
           every
           sin
           is
           committed
           ,
           is
           another
           thing
           that
           the
           mind
           ought
           diligently
           to
           attend
           unto
           .
           And
           this
           is
           a
           prevailing
           consideration
           ,
           if
           rightly
           and
           graciously
           managed
           in
           the
           soul.
           This
           Moses
           presseth
           on
           the
           people
           ,
           Deut.
           32.
           6.
           
           
             Do
             you
             thus
             requite
             the
             Lord
             ,
             O
             foolish
             people
             and
             unwise
             ?
             Is
             not
             he
             thy
             Father
             that
             bought
             thee
             ?
             Hath
             he
             not
             made
             thee
             ,
             and
             established
             thee
             ?
          
           Is
           this
           a
           requital
           for
           
             Eternal
             Love
          
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           fruits
           of
           it
           ?
           for
           the
           love
           and
           care
           of
           a
           Father
           ,
           of
           a
           Redeemer
           ,
           that
           we
           have
           been
           made
           partakers
           of
           ?
           And
           it
           is
           the
           same
           consideration
           which
           the
           Apostle
           manageth
           to
           this
           purpose
           ,
           
           2
           Cor.
           7.
           1.
           
           
             Having
             therefore
             these
             promises
             ,
             dearly
             beloved
             ,
             let
             us
             cleanse
             our selves
             from
             all
             filthiness
             of
             the
             flesh
             and
             spirit
             ,
             perfecting
             holiness
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             God.
          
           The
           receiving
           of
           the
           promises
           ought
           to
           be
           effectual
           ,
           as
           to
           stir
           us
           up
           unto
           all
           holiness
           ,
           so
           to
           work
           and
           effect
           an
           abstinence
           from
           all
           sin
           .
           And
           what
           Promises
           are
           these
           ?
           namely
           that
           God
           will
           
             be
             a
             Father
             unto
             us
             ,
             and
             receive
             us
             ,
             chap.
          
           6.
           17
           ,
           18.
           which
           compriseth
           the
           whole
           of
           all
           the
           love
           of
           God
           towards
           us
           here
           ,
           and
           to
           eternity
           .
           If
           there
           be
           any
           spiritual
           ingenuity
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           whilst
           the
           mind
           is
           attentive
           to
           this
           consideration
           ,
           there
           can
           be
           no
           prevailing
           attempt
           made
           upon
           it
           by
           the
           power
           of
           sin
           .
           Now
           there
           are
           two
           parts
           of
           this
           consideration
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           which
           is
           general
           in
           it
           ,
           that
           which
           is
           common
           unto
           all
           believers
           .
           This
           is
           managed
           unto
           this
           purpose
           ,
           1
           Joh.
           3.
           1
           ,
           2
           ,
           3.
           
           
             Behold
             what
             manner
             of
             love
             the
             Father
             hath
             bestowed
             upon
             us
             ,
             that
             we
             should
             be
             called
             the
             sons
             of
             God
             ;
             therefore
             the
             world
             knoweth
             us
             not
             because
             it
             knew
             him
             not
             .
             Beloved
             ,
             now
             are
             we
             the
             sons
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             it
             doth
             not
             yet
             appear
             what
             we
             shall
             be
             ;
             but
             we
             know
             that
             when
             he
             shall
             appear
             ,
             we
             shall
             be
             like
             him
             for
             we
             shall
             see
             him
             as
             he
             is
             .
             And
             every
             man
             that
             hath
             this
             hope
             ,
             purifieth
             himself
             even
             as
             he
             is
             pure
             .
          
           Consider
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           the
           love
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           previledges
           that
           we
           enjoy
           by
           it
           :
           
             Behold
             what
             manner
             of
             love
             the
             Father
             hath
             bestowed
             upon
             us
             ,
             that
             we
             should
             be
             called
             the
             sons
             of
             God.
             Adoption
          
           is
           an
           especial
           fruit
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           how
           great
           a
           priviledge
           is
           this
           ?
           Such
           love
           it
           is
           ,
           and
           such
           are
           the
           fruits
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           the
           world
           knoweth
           nothing
           of
           the
           blessed
           condition
           which
           we
           obtain
           and
           enjoy
           thereby
           :
           
             The
             world
             knoweth
             us
             not
          
           .
           Nay
           ,
           it
           is
           such
           love
           ,
           and
           
           so
           unspeakably
           blessed
           and
           glorious
           are
           the
           effects
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           we
           our selves
           are
           not
           able
           to
           comprehend
           them
           .
           What
           use
           then
           ought
           we
           to
           make
           of
           this
           contemplation
           of
           the
           excellent
           unspeakable
           love
           of
           God
           ?
           Why
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             Every
             one
             that
             hath
             this
             hope
             purifieth
             himself
             .
          
           Every
           man
           who
           being
           made
           partaker
           of
           this
           Love
           ,
           and
           thereupon
           an
           hope
           of
           the
           full
           enjoyment
           of
           the
           fruits
           of
           it
           ,
           of
           being
           made
           like
           to
           God
           in
           glory
           ,
           
             purifieth
             himself
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           in
           an
           abstinence
           from
           all
           and
           every
           sin
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           following
           words
           is
           at
           large
           declared
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           is
           to
           be
           considered
           as
           to
           such
           
             peculiar
             mercies
          
           and
           fruits
           of
           love
           ,
           as
           every
           
             ones
             soul
          
           hath
           been
           made
           partaker
           of
           .
           There
           is
           no
           Believer
           ,
           but
           besides
           the
           love
           and
           mercy
           which
           he
           hath
           in
           common
           with
           all
           his
           brethren
           ,
           he
           hath
           also
           in
           the
           lot
           of
           his
           inheritance
           ,
           some
           inclosures
           ,
           some
           especial
           mercies
           wherein
           he
           hath
           a
           single
           propriety
           .
           He
           hath
           some
           Joy
           which
           no
           stranger
           intermedleth
           withall
           ,
           Prov.
           14.
           10.
           
           Particular
           applications
           of
           covenant
           love
           and
           mercy
           to
           his
           soul.
           Now
           these
           are
           all
           provisions
           laid
           in
           by
           God
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           be
           born
           in
           mind
           against
           an
           hour
           of
           temptation
           ,
           that
           the
           consideration
           of
           them
           may
           preserve
           the
           soul
           from
           the
           attempts
           of
           sin
           .
           Their
           neglect
           is
           an
           high
           aggravation
           of
           our
           provocations
           .
           1
           King.
           11.
           9.
           
           It
           is
           charged
           as
           the
           great
           evil
           of
           Solomon
           ,
           that
           he
           had
           sinned
           against
           special
           mercies
           ,
           especial
           intimations
           of
           love
           ;
           he
           sinned
           after
           God
           had
           appeared
           to
           him
           twice
           .
           God
           required
           that
           he
           should
           have
           born
           in
           mind
           that
           
             especial
             favour
          
           ,
           and
           have
           made
           it
           an
           argument
           against
           sin
           .
           But
           he
           neglected●
           ,
           and
           is
           burdened
           with
           this
           sore
           rebuke
           .
           And
           indeed
           
           all
           especiall
           mercies
           ,
           all
           especial
           tokens
           and
           pledges
           of
           love
           ,
           are
           utterly
           lost
           and
           mispent
           upon
           us
           ,
           if
           they
           are
           not
           improved
           unto
           this
           end
           .
           This
           then
           is
           another
           thing
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           the
           duty
           of
           the
           mind
           greatly
           to
           attend
           unto
           ,
           and
           to
           oppose
           effectually
           unto
           every
           attempt
           that
           is
           made
           on
           the
           soul
           by
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           The
           considerations
           that
           arise
           from
           the
           blood
           and
           mediation
           of
           Christ
           ,
           are
           of
           the
           same
           importance
           .
           So
           the
           Apostle
           declares
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           5.
           14
           ,
           15.
           
           
             For
             the
             love
             of
             Christ
             constraineth
             us
             ,
             because
             we
             thus
             judge
             ,
             that
             if
             one
             died
             for
             all
             ,
             then
             were
             all
             dead
             ;
             and
             that
             he
             died
             for
             all
             ,
             that
             they
             which
             live
             should
             not
             henceforth
             live
             unto
             themselves
             ,
             but
             unto
             him
             which
             died
             for
             them
             ,
             and
             rose
             again
             .
          
           There
           is
           a
           constraining
           efficacy
           in
           this
           consideration
           ,
           it
           is
           great
           ,
           forcible
           ,
           effectual
           ,
           if
           duly
           attented
           unto
           .
           But
           I
           must
           not
           here
           in
           particular
           insist
           upon
           these
           things
           .
           Nor
           ,
        
         
           Fifthly
           ,
           Shall
           I
           speak
           of
           the
           
             inhabitation
             of
             the
             Spirit
          
           ,
           the
           greatest
           priviledge
           that
           we
           are
           made
           partakers
           of
           in
           this
           world
           .
           The
           due
           consideration
           how
           he
           is
           grieved
           by
           sin
           ,
           how
           his
           
             dwelling
             place
          
           is
           defiled
           thereby
           ,
           how
           his
           comforts
           are
           forfeited
           ,
           lost
           ,
           despised
           by
           it
           ,
           might
           also
           be
           insisted
           on
           .
           But
           the
           instances
           passed
           through
           are
           sufficient
           unto
           our
           purpose
           .
           Now
           herein
           lies
           the
           duty
           of
           the
           mina
           ,
           in
           reference
           unto
           particular
           sins
           and
           temptations
           .
           It
           is
           diligently
           and
           carefully
           to
           attend
           unto
           those
           things
           ,
           to
           dwell
           constantly
           upon
           the
           consideration
           of
           them
           ,
           to
           have
           them
           in
           a
           continual
           readiness
           to
           oppose
           unto
           all
           the
           lustings
           ,
           actings
           ,
           warrings
           ,
           attempts
           ,
           and
           rage
           of
           sin
           .
        
         
         
           In
           reference
           hereunto
           doth
           sin
           in
           an
           especial
           manner
           put
           forth
           and
           act
           its
           deceit
           .
           It
           labours
           by
           all
           means
           to
           draw
           off
           the
           mind
           from
           its
           
             due
             attendance
          
           unto
           these
           things
           ;
           to
           deprive
           the
           soul
           of
           this
           great
           preservative
           and
           antidote
           against
           its
           poison
           .
           It
           endeavours
           to
           cause
           the
           soul
           to
           satisfie
           it self
           with
           general
           
             undigested
             notions
             about
             sin
          
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           have
           nothing
           in
           particular
           to
           betake
           it self
           unto
           in
           its
           own
           defence
           ,
           against
           its
           attempts
           and
           temptations
           .
           And
           the
           wayes
           whereby
           it
           doth
           this
           may
           be
           also
           briefly
           considered
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           It
           is
           from
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           that
           the
           mind
           is
           
             spiritually
             slothful
          
           ,
           whereby
           it
           becomes
           negligent
           unto
           this
           duty
           .
           The
           principal
           discharge
           of
           its
           trust
           in
           this
           matter
           is
           expressed
           by
           watching
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           great
           Caution
           that
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           gave
           unto
           his
           Disciples
           in
           reference
           unto
           all
           their
           dangers
           from
           sin
           and
           Satan
           ,
           Mark
           14.
           37.
           
           
             I
             say
             unto
             all
             watch
          
           .
           That
           is
           ,
           use
           your
           utmost
           diligence
           and
           circumspection
           ,
           that
           you
           be
           not
           surprised
           and
           entangled
           with
           temptations
           .
           It
           is
           called
           also
           
             consideration
             ;
             Consider
             your
             wayes
             ;
             consider
             your
             latter
             end
          
           ;
           the
           want
           whereof
           God
           complains
           of
           in
           his
           People
           ,
           Dent.
           32.
           29.
           
           Now
           that
           which
           is
           contrary
           to
           these
           indispensible
           conditions
           of
           our
           preservation
           ,
           is
           
             spiritual
             slothfulness
          
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           declares
           ,
           Heb.
           6.
           11
           ,
           12.
           
           
             And
             we
             desire
             that
             every
             one
             of
             you
             ,
             do
             shew
             the
             same
             diligence
             to
             the
             full
             assurance
             of
             hope
             unto
             the
             end
             ,
             that
             you
             be
             not
             slothful
             .
          
           If
           we
           shew
           not
           diligence
           ,
           we
           are
           slothful
           ,
           and
           in
           danger
           of
           coming
           short
           to
           inherit
           the
           promises
           ;
           See
           2
           Pet.
           1.
           5
           ,
           9.
           
           
             And
             besides
             this
             giving
             all
             diligence
             ,
             add
             to
             your
             faith
             vertue
             ,
             to
             vertue
             ,
             knowledge
          
           &c.
           
           
             For
             if
             these
             
             things
             be
             in
             you
             and
             abound
             ,
             that
             they
             make
             you
             that
             you
             shall
             neither
             be
             barren
             ,
             nor
             unfruitful
             in
             the
             knowledge
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             .
             But
             he
             that
             lacketh
             these
             things
             is
             blind
             ,
             and
             cannot
             see
             afar
             off
             ,
             and
             hath
             forgotten
             that
             he
             was
             purged
             from
             his
             old
             sins
             ;
             wherefore
             the
             rather
             Brethren
             ,
             give
             diligence
             to
             make
             your
             calling
             and
             election
             sure
             ;
             for
             if
             you
             do
             these
             things
             you
             shall
             never
             fall
             ;
             For
             so
             an
             entrance
             shall
             be
             administred
             unto
             you
             abundantly
             into
             the
             everlasting
             Kingdom
             of
             our
             Lord
             and
             Saviour
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
          
           ver
           .
           9
           ,
           10.
           
           All
           this
           the
           mind
           is
           turned
           from
           ,
           if
           once
           by
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           it
           be
           made
           slothful
           .
           Now
           this
           sloth
           consists
           in
           three
           things
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           Inadvertency
           ;
           it
           doth
           not
           set
           it self
           to
           consider
           and
           attend
           unto
           its
           special
           concernments
           .
           The
           Apostle
           perswading
           the
           Hebrews
           with
           all
           earnestness
           to
           
             attend
             diligently
          
           ,
           to
           consider
           carefully
           that
           they
           may
           not
           be
           hardened
           by
           the
           deceitfulness
           of
           sin
           ,
           gives
           this
           reason
           of
           their
           danger
           ,
           that
           
             they
             were
             dull
             of
             hearing
          
           ,
           Chap.
           5.
           11.
           
           That
           is
           ,
           that
           they
           were
           slothful
           ,
           and
           did
           not
           attend
           unto
           the
           things
           of
           their
           duty
           .
           A
           secret
           regardlesness
           is
           apt
           to
           creep
           upon
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           it
           doth
           not
           set
           it self
           to
           a
           diligent
           marking
           how
           things
           go
           with
           it
           ,
           and
           what
           is
           continually
           incumbent
           on
           it
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           An
           
             unwillingness
             to
             be
             stirred
             up
             unto
             its
             duty
             ,
          
           Prov.
           19.
           24.
           
           
             The
             slothful
             man
             hideth
             his
             hand
             in
             his
             bosom
             ,
             and
             will
             not
             so
             much
             as
             bring
             it
             to
             his
             mouth
             again
             .
          
           There
           is
           an
           unwillingness
           in
           sloth
           to
           take
           any
           notice
           of
           warnings
           ,
           calls
           ,
           excitations
           ,
           or
           stirrings
           up
           by
           the
           Word
           ,
           Spirit
           ,
           Judgements
           ,
           any
           thing
           that
           God
           maketh
           use
           of
           ,
           to
           call
           the
           mind
           unto
           a
           due
           consideration
           of
           the
           
           condition
           of
           the
           soul.
           And
           this
           is
           a
           perfect
           evidence
           that
           the
           mind
           is
           made
           slothful
           by
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           ,
           when
           especial
           calls
           and
           warnings
           ,
           whether
           in
           a
           suitable
           word
           ,
           or
           a
           pressing
           judgement
           ,
           cannot
           prevail
           with
           it
           to
           pull
           its
           hand
           out
           of
           its
           bosome
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           to
           set
           about
           the
           special
           duties
           that
           it
           is
           called
           unto
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           
             Weak
             and
             ineffectual
             attempts
          
           to
           recover
           its
           self
           unto
           its
           duty
           ,
           Prov.
           26.
           14.
           
           
             As
             the
             door
             turneth
             it self
             upon
             its
             hinges
             ,
             so
             doth
             the
             slothful
             man
             upon
             his
             hed
             .
          
           In
           the
           turning
           of
           a
           door
           upon
           its
           hinges
           ,
           there
           is
           some
           motion
           ,
           but
           no
           progress
           .
           It
           removes
           up
           and
           down
           ,
           but
           is
           still
           in
           the
           place
           and
           posture
           that
           it
           was
           .
           So
           is
           it
           with
           the
           spiritually
           
             slothful
             man
          
           on
           his
           bed
           ,
           or
           in
           his
           security
           .
           He
           makes
           some
           motions
           or
           faint
           endeavours
           towards
           a
           discharge
           of
           his
           duty
           ,
           but
           goes
           not
           on
           .
           There
           where
           he
           was
           one
           day
           ,
           there
           he
           is
           the
           next
           ;
           yea
           ,
           there
           where
           he
           was
           one
           year
           ,
           he
           is
           the
           next
           .
           His
           endeavours
           are
           faint
           ,
           cold
           ,
           and
           evanid
           ;
           he
           gets
           no
           ground
           by
           them
           ,
           but
           is
           alwayes
           beginning
           and
           never
           finishing
           his
           work
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           
             Heartlesness
             upon
             the
             apprehensions
             of
             difficulties
          
           and
           discouragements
           ,
           Prov.
           22.
           13.
           
           
             The
             slothful
             man
             saith
             there
             is
             a
             Lyon
             in
             the
             way
             ,
             I
             shall
             be
             slain
             in
             the
             Streets
             .
          
           Every
           difficulty
           deters
           him
           from
           duty
           .
           He
           thinks
           it
           impossible
           for
           him
           to
           attain
           to
           that
           accuracy
           ,
           exactness
           ,
           and
           perfection
           which
           he
           is
           in
           this
           matter
           to
           press
           after
           ;
           &
           therefore
           contents
           himself
           in
           his
           old
           coldness
           ,
           negligence
           ,
           rather
           than
           to
           run
           the
           hazard
           of
           an
           universal
           circumspection
           .
           Now
           if
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           hath
           once
           
             drawn
             away
             the
             mind
          
           into
           this
           frame
           ,
           it
           layes
           it
           
           open
           to
           every
           temptation
           and
           incursion
           of
           sin
           .
           The
           
             Spouse
             in
             the
             Canticles
          
           seems
           to
           have
           been
           overtaken
           with
           this
           distemper
           ,
           Chap.
           5.
           1
           ,
           2
           ,
           3.
           
           And
           this
           puts
           her
           on
           various
           excuses
           why
           she
           cannot
           attend
           unto
           the
           call
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           apply
           her self
           unto
           her
           duty
           in
           walking
           with
           him
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           draws
           away
           the
           mind
           from
           its
           watch
           and
           duty
           in
           reference
           unto
           sin
           by
           surprisals
           .
           It
           falls
           in
           conjunction
           with
           some
           urging
           temptation
           ,
           and
           
             surprizeth
             the
             mind
          
           into
           thoughts
           quite
           of
           another
           Nature
           than
           those
           which
           it
           ought
           to
           insist
           upon
           in
           its
           own
           defence
           .
           So
           it
           seems
           to
           have
           been
           with
           Peter
           ;
           his
           carnal
           fear
           closing
           with
           the
           temptation
           wherein
           Satan
           sought
           to
           winnow
           him
           ,
           filled
           his
           mind
           with
           so
           many
           thoughts
           about
           his
           own
           imminent
           danger
           ,
           that
           he
           could
           not
           take
           into
           consideration
           the
           love
           and
           warning
           of
           Christ
           ;
           nor
           the
           evil
           whereunto
           his
           temptation
           led
           him
           ,
           nor
           any
           thing
           that
           he
           ought
           to
           have
           insisted
           on
           for
           his
           preservation
           .
           And
           therefore
           upon
           a
           review
           of
           his
           folly
           in
           neglecting
           those
           thoughts
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           love
           of
           Christ
           ,
           which
           through
           the
           assistance
           of
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           might
           have
           kept
           him
           from
           his
           scandalous
           fall
           ,
           he
           
             wept
             bitterly
          
           .
           And
           this
           indeed
           is
           the
           common
           way
           of
           the
           working
           of
           the
           
             deceit
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           as
           unto
           particular
           evils
           .
           It
           layes
           hold
           on
           the
           mind
           suddenly
           with
           thoughtfulness
           about
           the
           present
           sin
           ,
           possesseth
           it
           ,
           takes
           it
           up
           ,
           so
           that
           either
           it
           recovers
           not
           it self
           at
           all
           to
           the
           considerations
           mentioned
           ,
           or
           if
           any
           thoughts
           of
           them
           be
           suggested
           ,
           the
           mind
           is
           so
           prepossest
           and
           filled
           ,
           that
           they
           take
           no
           impression
           on
           the
           soul
           ,
           or
           make
           no
           abode
           in
           it
           .
           Thus
           doubtless
           was
           David
           surprised
           in
           the
           
           entrance
           of
           his
           great
           sin
           .
           Sin
           and
           temptation
           did
           so
           
             possess
             and
             fill
             his
             mind
          
           with
           the
           present
           object
           of
           his
           lust
           ,
           that
           he
           utterly
           forgot
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           those
           considerations
           which
           he
           had
           formerly
           made
           use
           of
           ,
           when
           he
           so
           diligently
           kept
           himself
           from
           his
           Iniquity
           .
           Here
           therefore
           lyes
           the
           great
           wisdom
           of
           the
           soul
           ,
           in
           rejecting
           the
           very
           first
           motions
           of
           sin
           ,
           because
           by
           parlies
           with
           them
           the
           mind
           may
           be
           drawn
           off
           from
           attending
           unto
           its
           preservatives
           ,
           and
           so
           the
           whole
           rush
           into
           evil
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           It
           draws
           away
           the
           mind
           
             by
             frequency
             and
             long
             continuance
          
           of
           its
           solicitations
           ,
           making
           as
           it
           were
           at
           last
           a
           conquest
           of
           it
           .
           And
           this
           happens
           not
           without
           an
           open
           neglect
           of
           the
           soul
           ,
           in
           want
           of
           stirring
           up
           it self
           to
           give
           an
           effectual
           rebuke
           in
           the
           strength
           and
           by
           the
           Grace
           of
           Christ
           unto
           sin
           ,
           which
           would
           have
           prevented
           its
           prevalency
           .
           But
           of
           this
           ,
           more
           shall
           be
           spoken
           afterwards
           .
           And
           this
           is
           the
           first
           way
           whereby
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           acts
           its
           deceit
           against
           the
           soul.
           It
           
             draws
             off
             the
             mind
          
           from
           attendance
           unto
           its
           charge
           and
           Office
           ,
           both
           in
           respect
           of
           duty
           and
           sin
           .
           And
           so
           far
           as
           this
           is
           done
           the
           Person
           is
           said
           to
           be
           
             drawn
             away
             ,
             or
             drawn
             off
             .
          
           He
           is
           tempted
           ;
           every
           man
           is
           tempted
           ,
           
             when
             he
             is
             thus
             drawn
             away
          
           by
           his
           own
           lust
           ,
           or
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           dwelling
           in
           him
           .
           And
           the
           whole
           effect
           of
           this
           working
           of
           the
           deceituflness
           of
           sin
           may
           be
           reduced
           unto
           these
           three
           heads
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           The
           
             remission
             of
             an
             universally
             watchful
             frame
             of
             Spirit
          
           unto
           every
           duty
           ,
           and
           against
           all
           ,
           even
           the
           most
           hidden
           and
           secret
           actings
           of
           sin
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           The
           omission
           of
           peculiar
           attending
           unto
           such
           duties
           as
           have
           an
           especial
           respect
           unto
           
           the
           weakning
           and
           ruine
           of
           the
           whole
           Law
           of
           Sin
           ,
           and
           the
           obviating
           of
           its
           deceitfulness
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Spiritual
           sloth
           ,
           as
           to
           a
           diligent
           regard
           unto
           all
           the
           especial
           concernments
           of
           Duties
           and
           Sins
           .
           When
           these
           three
           things
           ,
           with
           their
           branches
           mentioned
           ,
           less
           or
           more
           ,
           are
           brought
           about
           ,
           in
           ,
           or
           upon
           the
           soul
           ,
           or
           so
           far
           as
           they
           are
           so
           ,
           so
           far
           a
           man
           is
           drawn
           off
           by
           his
           own
           lust
           ,
           or
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           no
           need
           of
           adding
           here
           any
           directions
           for
           the
           prevention
           of
           this
           evil
           ,
           they
           having
           sufficiently
           been
           laid
           down
           in
           our
           passage
           through
           the
           consideration
           both
           of
           the
           duty
           of
           the
           mind
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           .
        
      
       
         
           CHAP.
           XI
           .
        
         
           
             The
             working
             of
             Sin
             by
             Deceit
             to
             entangle
             the
             Affections
             .
             The
             wayes
             whereby
             it
             is
             done
             .
             Means
             of
             their
             prevention
             .
          
        
         
           THe
           second
           thing
           in
           the
           words
           of
           the
           Apostle
           ascribed
           unto
           the
           
             deceitful
             working
             of
             sin
          
           is
           its
           enticing
           .
           A
           man
           is
           drawn
           away
           and
           enticed
           .
           And
           this
           seems
           particularly
           to
           respect
           the
           Affections
           ,
           as
           drawing
           away
           doth
           the
           mind
           .
           The
           Mind
           is
           drawn
           away
           from
           duty
           ,
           and
           the
           Affections
           are
           enticed
           unto
           sin
           .
           From
           the
           prevalency
           hereof
           a
           man
           is
           said
           to
           be
           enticed
           ,
           or
           
             entangled
             as
             with
             a
             bait
          
           ;
           so
           the
           word
           imports
           .
           For
           there
           is
           an
           allusion
           in
           it
           unto
           the
           bait
           wherewith
           a
           Fish
           is
           taken
           on
           the
           
           hook
           which
           holds
           him
           to
           his
           destruction
           .
           And
           concerning
           this
           effect
           of
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           ,
           we
           shall
           briefly
           shew
           two
           things
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           What
           it
           is
           to
           be
           enticed
           ,
           or
           to
           be
           entangled
           with
           the
           bait
           of
           sin
           ,
           to
           have
           the
           Affections
           tainted
           with
           an
           inclin●tion
           thereunto
           ,
           and
           when
           they
           are
           so
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           What
           course
           sin
           takes
           ,
           and
           what
           way
           it
           proceedeth
           in
           ,
           thus
           to
           entice
           ,
           ensnare
           ,
           or
           entangle
           the
           soul.
           
        
         
           For
           the
           first
           ,
           First
           ,
           The
           Affections
           are
           certainly
           entangled
           when
           they
           stir
           up
           
             frequent
             imaginations
          
           about
           the
           
             proposed
             object
          
           which
           this
           deceit
           of
           sin
           leadeth
           and
           enticeth
           towards
           .
           When
           sin
           prevails
           ,
           and
           the
           Affections
           are
           gone
           fully
           after
           it
           ,
           it
           
             fills
             the
             imagination
          
           with
           it
           ,
           possessing
           it
           with
           Images
           ,
           likenesses
           ,
           appearances
           of
           it
           continually
           .
           Such
           Persons
           
             devise
             iniquity
          
           and
           work
           evil
           on
           their
           beds
           ,
           which
           they
           also
           practise
           when
           they
           are
           able
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           in
           the
           
             power
             of
             their
             hand
             ,
             Mic.
          
           2.
           1.
           
           As
           in
           particular
           ,
           Peter
           tells
           us
           that
           they
           
             have
             Eyes
             full
             of
             an
             Adulteress
             ,
             and
             they
             cannot
             cease
             from
             sin
             ,
          
           2
           Pet.
           2.
           14.
           
           That
           is
           ,
           their
           imaginations
           are
           possest
           with
           a
           continual
           representation
           of
           the
           object
           of
           their
           lusts
           .
           And
           it
           is
           so
           
             in
             part
          
           where
           the
           Affections
           are
           
             in
             part
          
           entangled
           with
           sin
           ,
           and
           begin
           to
           turn
           aside
           unto
           it
           .
           John
           tells
           us
           that
           the
           things
           that
           are
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           are
           the
           
             lust
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             the
             lust
             of
             the
             eyes
             ,
             and
             the
             pride
             of
             life
             ,
          
           1
           Ep.
           2.
           14.
           
           
             The
             lust
             of
             the
             Eyes
             is
          
           that
           which
           by
           them
           is
           conveyed
           unto
           the
           soul.
           Now
           it
           is
           not
           the
           
             bodily
             sense
          
           of
           seeing
           ,
           but
           the
           fixing
           of
           the
           imagination
           from
           that
           sense
           on
           such
           thing
           ,
           that
           is
           intended
           .
           And
           this
           is
           called
           
           the
           Eyes
           ,
           because
           thereby
           things
           are
           constantly
           represented
           unto
           the
           mind
           and
           soul
           ,
           as
           outward
           objects
           are
           unto
           the
           inward
           sense
           by
           the
           Eyes
           .
           And
           oftentimes
           the
           
             outward
             sight
             of
             the
             Eyes
          
           is
           the
           occasion
           of
           these
           imaginations
           .
           So
           Achan
           declares
           how
           sin
           prevailed
           with
           him
           ,
           Josh.
           7.
           21.
           
           First
           
             he
             saw
          
           the
           wedge
           of
           Gold
           ,
           and
           
             Babylonish
             garment
          
           ,
           and
           then
           he
           coveted
           them
           .
           He
           rolled
           them
           the
           pleasures
           ,
           the
           profit
           of
           them
           ,
           in
           his
           Imagination
           ,
           and
           then
           fixed
           his
           heart
           upon
           the
           obt●ining
           of
           them
           .
           Now
           the
           heart
           may
           have
           a
           setled
           ,
           fixed
           detestation
           of
           sin
           ;
           but
           yet
           if
           a
           man
           find
           that
           the
           Imagination
           of
           the
           mind
           is
           frequently
           solicited
           by
           it
           ▪
           and
           exercised
           about
           it
           ,
           such
           a
           one
           may
           know
           that
           his
           Affections
           are
           secretly
           enticed
           and
           entangled
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           This
           entanglement
           is
           heightned
           ,
           when
           the
           Imagination
           can
           prevail
           with
           the
           mind
           
             to
             lodge
             vain
             thoughts
          
           in
           it
           ,
           with
           secret
           delight
           and
           complacency
           .
           This
           is
           termed
           by
           
             Casuists
             ,
             Cogitatio
             morosa
             cum
             delectatione
             ,
          
           an
           abiding
           thought
           with
           delight
           ,
           which
           towards
           forbidden
           objects
           is
           in
           all
           cases
           actually
           sinful
           .
           And
           yet
           ,
           this
           may
           be
           ,
           when
           the
           
             Consent
             of
             the
             Will
          
           unto
           sin
           is
           not
           obtained
           ;
           when
           the
           soul
           would
           not
           for
           the
           world
           do
           the
           thing
           ,
           which
           yet
           thoughts
           begin
           to
           lodge
           in
           the
           mind
           about
           .
           This
           
             lodging
             of
             vain
             thoughts
          
           in
           the
           heart
           the
           Prophet
           complains
           of
           as
           a
           thing
           greatly
           sinful
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           abhorred
           ,
           Jer.
           4.
           14.
           
           All
           these
           thoughts
           are
           Messengers
           that
           carry
           sin
           to
           and
           fro
           between
           the
           Imagination
           and
           the
           Affections
           ,
           and
           still
           encrease
           it
           ,
           enflaming
           the
           Imagination
           ,
           and
           more
           and
           more
           entangling
           the
           Affections
           .
           Achan
           thinks
           upon
           the
           
             Golden
             Wedge
          
           ,
           this
           makes
           him
           like
           it
           ,
           and
           
           love
           it
           ;
           by
           loving
           of
           it
           ,
           his
           thoughts
           are
           infected
           ,
           and
           return
           to
           the
           Imagination
           of
           its
           worth
           ,
           and
           goodly
           shew
           ,
           and
           so
           by
           little
           and
           little
           the
           soul
           is
           enflamed
           unto
           sin
           .
           And
           here
           if
           the
           Will
           parts
           with
           its
           Sovereignty
           ,
           sin
           is
           actually
           conceived
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Inclinations
           ,
           or
           readiness
           to
           attend
           unto
           
             extenuations
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           or
           the
           reliefs
           that
           are
           tendered
           against
           sin
           when
           committed
           ,
           manifest
           the
           Affections
           to
           be
           entangled
           with
           it
           .
           We
           have
           shewed
           ,
           and
           shall
           yet
           farther
           evidence
           that
           it
           is
           a
           great
           part
           of
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           ,
           to
           tender
           lessning
           and
           extenuating
           thoughts
           of
           sin
           unto
           the
           mind
           .
           
             Is
             it
             not
             a
             little
             one
             ?
          
           or
           there
           is
           mercy
           provided
           ,
           or
           it
           shall
           be
           in
           due
           time
           relinquished
           and
           given
           over
           ,
           is
           its
           language
           in
           a
           deceived
           heart
           .
           Now
           when
           there
           is
           a
           readiness
           in
           the
           soul
           to
           hearken
           and
           give
           entertainment
           unto
           such
           secret
           insinuations
           arising
           from
           this
           deceit
           ,
           in
           reference
           unto
           any
           sin
           ,
           or
           unapprovable
           course
           ,
           it
           is
           an
           evidence
           that
           the
           Affections
           are
           enticed
           .
           When
           the
           soul
           is
           willing
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           to
           be
           tempted
           ,
           to
           be
           courted
           by
           sin
           ,
           to
           hearken
           to
           its
           dalliances
           and
           solicitations
           ,
           it
           hath
           lost
           of
           its
           conjugal
           Affections
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           and
           is
           entangled
           .
           This
           is
           
             looking
             on
             the
             Wine
             when
             it
             is
             red
             ,
             when
             it
             giveth
             its
             colour
             in
             the
             Cup
             ,
             when
             it
             moveth
             it self
             aright
             ,
             Prov.
          
           33.
           21.
           
           A
           pleasing
           contemplation
           on
           the
           invitations
           of
           sin
           ,
           whose
           end
           the
           wise
           Man
           gives
           us
           ,
           ver
           .
           32.
           
           When
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           hath
           prevailed
           thus
           far
           on
           any
           Person
           ,
           then
           he
           is
           enticed
           or
           entangled
           ;
           the
           Will
           is
           not
           yet
           come
           to
           the
           actual
           conception
           of
           this
           or
           that
           sin
           by
           its
           consent
           ,
           but
           the
           whole
           soul
           is
           in
           a
           near
           inclination
           thereunto
           .
           And
           many
           other
           instances
           I
           could
           
           give
           as
           tokens
           and
           evidences
           of
           this
           entanglement
           .
           These
           may
           suffice
           to
           manifest
           what
           we
           intend
           thereby
           .
        
         
           Our
           next
           enquiry
           is
           ,
           how
           ,
           or
           by
           what
           means
           the
           
             deceit
             of
             sin
          
           proceeds
           thus
           to
           entice
           and
           entangle
           the
           Affections
           ;
           and
           two
           or
           three
           of
           its
           baits
           are
           manifest
           herein
           .
        
         
           First
           It
           makes
           use
           of
           its
           former
           prevalency
           upon
           the
           mind
           in
           
             drawing
             it
             off
          
           from
           its
           watch
           and
           circumspection
           .
           Sayes
           the
           Wise
           man
           ,
           Prov.
           1.
           17.
           
           
             Surely
             in
             vain
             is
             the
             Not
             spread
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             any
             Bird
          
           ;
           or
           before
           the
           eyes
           of
           every
           thing
           that
           hath
           a
           wing
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           Original
           .
           If
           it
           hath
           eyes
           open
           to
           discern
           the
           snare
           ,
           and
           a
           wing
           to
           carry
           it
           away
           ,
           it
           will
           not
           be
           caught
           .
           And
           in
           vain
           should
           the
           
             deceit
             of
             sin
          
           spread
           its
           snares
           and
           Nets
           for
           the
           entanglement
           of
           the
           ●●l
           ,
           whilest
           the
           Eyes
           of
           the
           mind
           are
           intent
           upon
           what
           it
           doth
           ,
           and
           so
           stir
           up
           the
           wings
           of
           its
           Will
           and
           Affections
           to
           carry
           it
           away
           and
           avoid
           it
           .
           But
           if
           the
           Eyes
           be
           put
           out
           or
           diverted
           ,
           the
           wings
           are
           of
           very
           little
           use
           for
           escape
           .
           And
           therefore
           this
           is
           one
           of
           the
           wayes
           which
           is
           used
           by
           them
           who
           take
           Birds
           or
           Fowls
           in
           their
           Nets
           ,
           they
           have
           false
           lights
           ,
           or
           shews
           of
           things
           to
           divert
           the
           sight
           of
           their
           prey
           ;
           and
           when
           that
           is
           done
           ,
           they
           take
           the
           season
           to
           cast
           their
           Nets
           upon
           them
           .
           So
           doth
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           ,
           it
           first
           
             draws
             off
          
           and
           diverts
           the
           mind
           by
           false
           reasonings
           and
           pretences
           ,
           as
           hath
           been
           shewed
           ,
           and
           then
           casts
           its
           Net
           upon
           the
           Affections
           for
           their
           entanglement
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Taking
           advantage
           of
           such
           seasons
           ,
           it
           proposeth
           sin
           as
           desirable
           ,
           as
           exceeding
           satisfactory
           to
           the
           corrupt
           part
           of
           our
           Affections
           .
           It
           gilds
           
           over
           the
           object
           by
           a
           
             thousand
             pretences
          
           which
           it
           presents
           unto
           corrupt
           lustings
           .
           This
           is
           the
           
             laying
             of
             a
             bait
          
           ,
           which
           the
           Apostle
           in
           this
           Verse
           evidently
           alludes
           unto
           .
           A
           bait
           is
           some
           what
           desirable
           and
           suitable
           ,
           that
           is
           proposed
           to
           the
           hungry
           Creature
           for
           its
           satisfaction
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           by
           all
           Artifices
           rendered
           desirable
           and
           suitable
           .
           Thus
           is
           sin
           presented
           by
           the
           help
           of
           the
           imagination
           unto
           the
           soul
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           sinful
           and
           inordinate
           objects
           ,
           which
           the
           Affections
           cleave
           unto
           ,
           are
           〈◊〉
           ●●●sented
           .
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           there
           are
           
             pleasures
             of
             sin
             ,
             Heb.
          
           11.
           35.
           which
           unless
           they
           are
           despis●d
           ,
           as
           they
           were
           by
           Moses
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           escaping
           of
           sin
           it self
           Hence
           they
           that
           
             live
             in
             sin
          
           ,
           are
           said
           to
           
             live
             in
             pleasure
             ,
             James
          
           5.
           5.
           
           Now
           this
           pleasure
           of
           sin
           consisteth
           in
           its
           suitableness
           to
           give
           satisfaction
           to
           the
           flesh
           ,
           to
           lust
           ,
           to
           corrupt
           Affections
           .
           Hence
           is
           that
           caution
           ,
           Rom.
           13.
           14.
           
           
             Make
             no
             provision
             for
             the
             flesh
             to
             fulfill
             the
             lust
             thereof
             .
          
           That
           is
           ,
           do
           not
           suffer
           your
           minds
           ,
           thoughts
           ,
           or
           affections
           to
           fix
           upon
           sinful
           objects
           ,
           suited
           to
           give
           satisfaction
           to
           the
           lusts
           of
           the
           flesh
           ,
           to
           nouri●
           and
           cherish
           them
           thereby
           .
           To
           which
           purpose
           he
           speaks
           again
           ,
           Gal.
           5.
           16.
           
           
             Fulfill
             ye
             not
             the
             lusts
             of
             the
             flesh
             .
          
           Bring
           not
           in
           the
           pleasures
           of
           sin
           to
           give
           them
           satisfaction
           .
           When
           men
           are
           under
           the
           power
           of
           sin
           ,
           they
           are
           said
           to
           
             fulfill
             the
             desires
             of
             the
             flesh
             and
             of
             the
             Mind
             ,
             Eph.
          
           2.
           3.
           
           Thus
           therefore
           the
           
             deceit
             of
             sin
          
           endeavours
           to
           entangle
           the
           Affections
           ,
           by
           proposing
           unto
           them
           through
           the
           assistance
           of
           the
           Imagination
           that
           suitableness
           which
           is
           in
           it
           to
           the
           satisfaction
           of
           its
           corrupt
           lusts
           ,
           now
           set
           at
           some
           liberty
           by
           the
           inadvertency
           of
           the
           mind
           .
           It
           presents
           its
           
             Wine
             as
             sparkling
             
             in
             the
             cup
             ,
          
           the
           beauty
           of
           the
           Adulteress
           ,
           the
           riches
           of
           the
           world
           unto
           sensual
           and
           covetous
           persons
           ,
           and
           somewhat
           in
           the
           like
           kind
           ,
           in
           some
           degrees
           to
           Believers
           themselves
           .
           When
           therefore
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           sin
           would
           entangle
           the
           soul
           ,
           it
           prevails
           with
           the
           imagination
           to
           solicit
           the
           heart
           ,
           by
           representing
           this
           false
           painted
           beauty
           ,
           or
           pretended
           satisfactoriness
           of
           sin
           :
           And
           then
           if
           Satan
           with
           any
           peculiar
           temptation
           fall
           in
           to
           its
           assistance
           ,
           it
           oftentimes
           inflames
           all
           the
           affections
           ,
           and
           puts
           the
           whole
           soul
           into
           disorder
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           It
           
             hides
             the
             danger
          
           that
           attends
           sin
           ,
           it
           covers
           it
           as
           the
           hook
           is
           covered
           with
           the
           bait
           ,
           or
           the
           net
           spread
           over
           with
           meat
           for
           the
           fowl
           to
           be
           taken
           .
           It
           is
           not
           indeed
           possible
           that
           sin
           should
           utterly
           deprive
           the
           soul
           of
           the
           knowledge
           of
           the
           danger
           of
           it
           .
           It
           cannot
           dispossess
           it
           of
           its
           notion
           or
           perswasion
           that
           the
           
             wages
             of
             sin
             is
             death
          
           ;
           and
           that
           it
           is
           the
           
             judgment
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             they
             that
             commit
             sin
             are
             worthy
             of
             death
             .
          
           But
           this
           it
           will
           do
           ,
           it
           will
           so
           take
           up
           and
           possess
           the
           mind
           and
           affections
           with
           the
           baits
           and
           desirableness
           of
           sin
           ,
           that
           it
           shall
           divert
           them
           from
           an
           actual
           and
           practical
           contemplation
           of
           the
           danger
           of
           it
           .
           What
           Satan
           did
           in
           and
           by
           his
           first
           temptation
           ,
           that
           sin
           doth
           ever
           since
           .
           At
           first
           Eve
           guards
           her self
           ,
           with
           calling
           to
           mind
           the
           
             danger
             of
             sin
          
           ;
           if
           we
           eat
           ,
           or
           touch
           it
           ,
           we
           shall
           die
           ,
           Gen.
           3.
           3.
           
           But
           so
           soon
           as
           Satan
           had
           filled
           her
           mind
           with
           the
           beauty
           and
           usefulness
           of
           the
           fruit
           to
           make
           on
           wise
           ,
           how
           quickly
           did
           she
           lay
           aside
           her
           practical
           prevalent
           consideration
           of
           the
           danger
           of
           eating
           it
           ,
           the
           curse
           due
           unto
           it
           ;
           or
           else
           relieves
           her self
           with
           a
           vain
           hope
           and
           pretence
           that
           it
           
           should
           not
           be
           ,
           because
           the
           Serpent
           told
           her
           so
           .
           So
           was
           David
           beguiled
           in
           his
           great
           transgression
           ,
           by
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           ;
           his
           lust
           being
           pleased
           and
           satisfied
           ,
           the
           consideration
           of
           the
           guilt
           and
           danger
           of
           his
           transgression
           was
           taken
           away
           :
           and
           therefore
           he
           is
           said
           to
           have
           
             despised
             the
             Lord
          
           ,
           2
           Sam.
           12.
           9.
           in
           that
           he
           considered
           not
           the
           evil
           that
           was
           in
           his
           heart
           ,
           and
           the
           danger
           that
           attended
           it
           in
           the
           threatning
           or
           commination
           of
           the
           Law.
           Now
           sin
           when
           it
           presseth
           upon
           the
           soul
           to
           this
           purpose
           ,
           will
           use
           a
           thousand
           wiles
           to
           hide
           from
           it
           the
           terrour
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           the
           end
           of
           transgressions
           ,
           and
           especially
           of
           that
           peculiar
           folly
           which
           it
           solicits
           the
           mind
           unto
           .
           
             Hopes
             of
             pardon
          
           shall
           be
           used
           to
           hide
           it
           ,
           and
           
             future
             repentance
          
           shall
           hide
           it
           ,
           
             present
             importunity
          
           of
           lust
           shall
           hide
           it
           ,
           
             occasions
             and
             opportunities
          
           shall
           hide
           it
           ,
           surprizals
           shall
           hide
           it
           ,
           extenuation
           of
           sin
           shall
           hide
           it
           ,
           
             balancing
             of
             duties
          
           against
           it
           shall
           hide
           it
           ,
           
             fixing
             the
             imagination
          
           on
           present
           objects
           shall
           hide
           it
           ,
           
             desperate
             resolutions
          
           to
           venture
           the
           uttermost
           for
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           lust
           in
           its
           pleasures
           and
           profits
           ,
           shall
           hide
           it
           .
           A
           thousand
           wiles
           it
           hath
           which
           cannot
           be
           recounted
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           Having
           prevailed
           thus
           far
           ,
           gilding
           over
           the
           pleasures
           of
           sin
           ,
           hiding
           its
           end
           and
           demerit
           ,
           it
           proceds
           to
           raise
           
             pervers
             reasonings
          
           in
           the
           mind
           ,
           to
           fix
           it
           upon
           the
           sin
           proposed
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           be
           conceived
           and
           brought
           forth
           ,
           the
           affections
           being
           already
           prevailed
           upon
           ;
           of
           which
           we
           shall
           speak
           under
           the
           next
           head
           of
           its
           progress
           .
        
         
           Here
           we
           may
           stay
           a
           little
           ,
           as
           formerly
           ,
           to
           give
           some
           few
           directions
           for
           the
           obviating
           of
           this
           woful
           work
           of
           the
           deceitfulness
           of
           sin
           .
           Would
           we
           
           not
           be
           enticed
           or
           entangled
           ,
           would
           we
           not
           be
           disposed
           to
           the
           conception
           of
           sin
           ,
           would
           we
           be
           turned
           out
           of
           the
           road
           and
           way
           which
           goes
           down
           to
           death
           ;
           Let
           us
           take
           heed
           of
           our
           Affections
           ,
           which
           are
           of
           so
           great
           concernment
           in
           the
           whole
           course
           of
           our
           obedience
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           commonly
           in
           the
           Scripture
           called
           by
           the
           name
           of
           the
           heart
           ,
           as
           the
           principal
           thing
           which
           God
           requires
           in
           our
           walking
           before
           him
           .
           And
           this
           is
           not
           slightly
           to
           be
           attended
           unto
           .
           Prov.
           4.
           23.
           saith
           the
           wise
           man
           ,
           
             Keep
             thy
             heart
             with
             all
             diligence
             ,
          
           or
           as
           in
           the
           Original
           ,
           above
           or
           before
           all
           keepings
           ;
           
             Before
             every
             watch
             ,
             keep
             thy
             heart
             .
          
           You
           have
           many
           keepings
           that
           you
           watch
           unto
           ;
           you
           watch
           to
           keep
           your
           lives
           ,
           to
           keep
           your
           estates
           ,
           to
           keep
           your
           reputations
           ,
           to
           keep
           up
           your
           families
           ;
           but
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             above
             all
             these
             keepings
          
           ,
           prefer
           that
           ,
           attend
           to
           that
           of
           the
           heart
           ,
           of
           your
           affections
           ,
           that
           they
           be
           not
           entangled
           with
           sin
           ;
           there
           is
           no
           safety
           without
           it
           .
           Save
           all
           other
           things
           and
           lose
           the
           heart
           ,
           and
           all
           is
           lost
           ,
           lost
           unto
           all
           eternity
           .
           You
           will
           say
           then
           ,
           what
           shall
           we
           do
           ,
           or
           how
           shall
           we
           observe
           this
           duty
           ?
        
         
           First
           ,
           Keep
           your
           affections
           as
           to
           their
           Object
           in
           general
           .
           This
           advice
           the
           Apostle
           gives
           in
           this
           very
           case
           ,
           Coloss.
           3.
           his
           advice
           in
           the
           beginning
           of
           that
           chapter
           is
           to
           direct
           us
           unto
           the
           
             mortification
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           which
           he
           expresly
           engageth
           in
           ,
           ver
           .
           5.
           
           
             Mortifie
             therefore
             your
             members
             which
             are
             on
             the
             earth
             .
          
           Prevent
           the
           working
           and
           deceit
           of
           sin
           which
           wars
           in
           your
           members
           .
           To
           prepare
           us
           ,
           to
           enable
           us
           hereunto
           ,
           he
           gives
           us
           that
           great
           direction
           ,
           ver
           .
           2.
           
           
             Set
             your
             affections
             on
             things
             above
             ,
             not
             on
             things
             of
             the
             earth
             .
          
           Fix
           your
           affections
           on
           heavenly
           things
           ,
           this
           will
           enable
           
           you
           to
           mortifie
           sin
           :
           fill
           them
           with
           the
           things
           that
           are
           above
           ,
           let
           them
           be
           exercised
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           so
           enjoy
           the
           chiefest
           place
           in
           them
           .
           They
           are
           above
           ,
           blessed
           and
           suitable
           objects
           ,
           meet
           for
           ,
           and
           answering
           unto
           our
           affections
           .
           God
           himself
           ,
           in
           his
           beauty
           and
           glory
           ;
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           who
           is
           
             altogether
             lovely
             ,
             the
             chiefest
             of
             ten
             thousand
          
           ;
           Grace
           and
           Glory
           ,
           the
           Mysteries
           revealed
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           the
           blessedness
           promised
           thereby
           .
           Were
           our
           affections
           filled
           ,
           taken
           up
           ,
           and
           possessed
           with
           these
           things
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           our
           duty
           that
           they
           should
           be
           ,
           it
           is
           our
           happiness
           when
           they
           are
           ;
           what
           access
           could
           sin
           with
           its
           painted
           pleasures
           ,
           with
           its
           sugred
           poisons
           ,
           with
           its
           envenomed
           baits
           ,
           have
           unto
           our
           souls
           ?
           how
           should
           we
           loath
           all
           its
           proposals
           ,
           and
           say
           unto
           them
           ,
           Get
           ye
           hence
           as
           an
           abominable
           thing
           ?
           For
           what
           are
           the
           vain
           transitory
           pleasures
           of
           sin
           ,
           in
           comparison
           of
           the
           exceeding
           recompence
           of
           reward
           which
           is
           proposed
           unto
           us
           ?
           Which
           argument
           the
           Apostle
           presses
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           4.
           18.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           As
           to
           the
           
             Object
             of
             your
             affections
             in
             an
             especial
             manner
          
           ;
           let
           it
           be
           the
           
             Cross
             of
             Christ
          
           ,
           which
           hath
           an
           exceeding
           efficacy
           towards
           the
           disappointment
           of
           the
           whole
           work
           of
           Indwelling-sin
           .
           Gal.
           6.
           14.
           
           
             God
             forbid
             that
             I
             should
             glory
             ,
             save
             in
             the
             Cross
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             whereby
             the
             world
             is
             crucified
             unto
             me
             ,
             and
             I
             unto
             the
             world
             .
          
           The
           
             Cross
             of
             Christ
          
           he
           gloried
           and
           rejoyced
           in
           ;
           this
           his
           heart
           was
           set
           upon
           ,
           and
           these
           were
           the
           effects
           of
           it
           ;
           it
           crucified
           the
           world
           unto
           him
           ,
           made
           it
           a
           dead
           and
           undesirable
           thing
           .
           The
           baits
           and
           pleasures
           of
           sin
           are
           taken
           all
           of
           them
           out
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           the
           things
           that
           are
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           namely
           the
           
             lust
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             
             the
             lust
             of
             the
             eyes
             ,
             and
             the
             pride
             of
             life
             .
          
           These
           are
           the
           things
           that
           are
           in
           the
           world
           ;
           from
           these
           doth
           sin
           take
           all
           its
           baits
           ,
           whereby
           it
           enticeth
           and
           entangleth
           our
           souls
           .
           If
           the
           heart
           be
           filled
           with
           the
           
             Cross
             of
             Christ
          
           ,
           it
           casts
           death
           and
           undesirableness
           upon
           them
           all
           ,
           it
           leaves
           no
           seeming
           beauty
           ,
           no
           appearing
           pleasure
           or
           comeliness
           in
           them
           .
           Again
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             It
             crucifieth
             me
             to
             the
             world
          
           ;
           makes
           my
           heart
           ,
           my
           affections
           ,
           my
           desires
           dead
           unto
           any
           of
           these
           things
           .
           It
           roots
           up
           corrupt
           lusts
           and
           affections
           ,
           leaves
           no
           principle
           to
           go
           forth
           and
           make
           provision
           for
           the
           flesh
           to
           fulfill
           the
           lusts
           thereof
           .
           Labour
           therefore
           to
           fill
           your
           hearts
           with
           the
           
             Cross
             of
             Christ.
          
           Consider
           the
           sorrows
           he
           underwent
           ,
           the
           curse
           he
           bore
           ,
           the
           blood
           he
           shed
           ,
           the
           cries
           he
           put
           forth
           ,
           the
           love
           that
           was
           in
           all
           this
           to
           your
           souls
           ,
           and
           the
           mystery
           of
           the
           grace
           of
           God
           therein
           .
           Meditate
           on
           the
           vileness
           ,
           the
           demerit
           ,
           and
           punishment
           of
           sin
           as
           represented
           in
           the
           Cross
           ,
           the
           blood
           ,
           the
           death
           of
           Christ.
           Is
           Christ
           crucified
           for
           sin
           ,
           and
           shall
           not
           our
           hearts
           be
           crucified
           with
           him
           unto
           sin
           ?
           Shall
           we
           give
           entertainment
           unto
           that
           ,
           or
           hearken
           unto
           its
           dalliances
           ,
           which
           wounded
           ,
           which
           pierced
           ,
           which
           slew
           our
           dear
           Lord
           Jesus
           ?
           God
           forbid
           .
           Fill
           your
           affections
           with
           the
           
             Cross
             of
             Christ
          
           ,
           that
           there
           may
           be
           no
           room
           for
           sin
           .
           The
           world
           once
           put
           him
           out
           of
           the
           house
           into
           a
           stable
           ,
           when
           he
           came
           to
           save
           us
           ;
           let
           him
           now
           turn
           the
           world
           out
           of
           doors
           ,
           when
           he
           is
           come
           to
           sanctifie
           us
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Look
           to
           the
           
             vigour
             of
             the
             affections
          
           towards
           heavenly
           things
           ;
           if
           they
           are
           not
           constantly
           attended
           ,
           excited
           ,
           directed
           ,
           and
           warned
           ,
           they
           are
           apt
           to
           decay
           ,
           and
           sin
           lies
           in
           wait
           to
           take
           every
           advantage
           
           against
           them
           .
           Many
           complaints
           we
           have
           in
           the
           Scripture
           of
           those
           who
           lost
           their
           
             first
             love
          
           ,
           in
           suffering
           their
           affections
           to
           decay
           .
           And
           this
           should
           make
           us
           jealous
           over
           our
           own
           hearts
           ,
           lest
           we
           also
           should
           be
           over-taken
           with
           the
           like
           back-sliding
           frame
           .
           Wherefore
           be
           jealous
           over
           them
           ,
           often
           strictly
           examine
           them
           ,
           and
           call
           them
           to
           account
           ,
           supply
           unto
           them
           due
           considerations
           for
           their
           exciting
           and
           stirring
           up
           unto
           duty
           .
        
      
       
         
           CHAP.
           XII
           .
        
         
           
             The
             Conception
             of
             Sin
             through
             its
             Deceit
             .
             Wherein
             it
             consisteh
             .
             The
             consent
             of
             the
             Will
             unto
             Sin.
             The
             Nature
             thereof
             .
             Ways
             and
             Means
             whereby
             it
             is
             obtained
             .
             Other
             Advantages
             made
             use
             of
             by
             the
             Deceit
             of
             Sin.
             Ignorance
             ,
             Errours
             .
          
        
         
           THe
           third
           success
           of
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           in
           its
           progressive
           work
           ,
           is
           the
           
             Conception
             of
             actual
             sin
          
           .
           When
           it
           hath
           drawn
           the
           mind
           off
           from
           its
           duty
           ,
           and
           entangled
           the
           affections
           ,
           it
           proceeds
           to
           
             conceive
             sin
          
           in
           order
           to
           the
           bringing
           of
           it
           forth
           .
           
             Then
             when
             lust
             hath
             conceived
             it
             bringeth
             forth
             sin
             .
          
           Now
           the
           
             conception
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           in
           order
           unto
           its
           perpetration
           ,
           can
           be
           nothing
           but
           the
           
             consent
             of
             the
             Will
          
           :
           for
           as
           without
           the
           
             consent
             of
             the
             Will
          
           sin
           cannot
           be
           committed
           ,
           so
           where
           the
           Will
           hath
           consented
           unto
           it
           ,
           there
           is
           nothing
           in
           the
           soul
           to
           hinder
           its
           actual
           accomplishment
           .
           
           God
           doth
           indeed
           by
           various
           ways
           and
           means
           frustrate
           the
           bringing
           forth
           of
           these
           adulterate
           conceptions
           ,
           causing
           them
           to
           melt
           away
           in
           the
           womb
           ,
           or
           one
           way
           or
           other
           prove
           abortive
           ,
           so
           that
           not
           the
           least
           part
           of
           that
           sin
           is
           committed
           which
           is
           willed
           or
           conceived
           ;
           yet
           there
           is
           nothing
           in
           the
           soul
           it self
           that
           remains
           to
           give
           check
           unto
           it
           ,
           when
           once
           the
           will
           hath
           given
           its
           consent
           .
           Ofttimes
           when
           a
           cloud
           is
           full
           of
           rain
           ,
           and
           ready
           to
           fall
           ,
           a
           wind
           comes
           and
           drives
           it
           away
           .
           And
           when
           the
           Will
           is
           ready
           to
           bring
           forth
           its
           sin
           ,
           God
           diverts
           it
           by
           one
           wind
           or
           other
           ,
           but
           yet
           the
           cloud
           was
           as
           full
           of
           rain
           as
           if
           it
           had
           fallen
           ,
           and
           the
           soul
           as
           full
           of
           sin
           as
           if
           it
           had
           been
           committed
           .
        
         
           This
           
             conceiving
             of
             lust
          
           or
           sin
           then
           ,
           is
           its
           prevalency
           in
           obtaining
           the
           
             consent
             of
             the
             will
          
           unto
           its
           solicitations
           .
           And
           hereby
           the
           soul
           is
           deflowered
           of
           its
           chastity
           towards
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           intimates
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           11.
           2
           ,
           3.
           
           To
           clear
           up
           this
           matter
           we
           must
           observe
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           the
           Will
           is
           the
           Principle
           ,
           the
           next
           seat
           and
           cause
           of
           obedience
           and
           disobedience
           .
           Moral
           actions
           are
           unto
           us
           ,
           or
           in
           us
           ,
           so
           far
           good
           or
           evil
           as
           they
           partake
           of
           the
           
             consent
             of
             the
             Will.
          
           He
           spake
           truth
           of
           old
           who
           said
           ,
           
             Omne
             peccatum
             est
             adeò
             voluntarium
             ,
             ut
             non
             ●it
             peccatum
             nisi
             sit
             voluntarium
             .
             Every
             sin
             is
             so
             voluntary
             ,
             that
             if
             it
             be
             not
             voluntary
             ▪
             it
             is
             not
             sin
             .
          
           It
           is
           most
           true
           of
           
             actual
             sins
          
           .
           The
           formality
           of
           their
           iniquity
           ariseth
           from
           the
           acts
           of
           the
           will
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           concerning
           them
           ,
           I
           mean
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           persons
           that
           commit
           them
           ;
           otherwise
           in
           it self
           the
           formal
           reason
           of
           sin
           is
           its
           
             aberration
             from
             the
             Law
             of
             God.
             
          
        
         
         
           Secondly
           ,
           There
           is
           a
           two-fold
           
             consent
             of
             the
             will
          
           unto
           sin
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           which
           is
           
             full
             ,
             absolute
          
           ,
           complete
           ,
           and
           upon
           deliberation
           .
           A
           prevailing
           consent
           ,
           the
           convictions
           of
           the
           mind
           being
           conquered
           ,
           and
           no
           principle
           of
           grace
           in
           the
           will
           to
           weaken
           it
           .
           With
           this
           consent
           the
           soul
           goes
           into
           sin
           ,
           as
           a
           Ship
           before
           the
           wind
           with
           all
           its
           sails
           displayed
           ,
           without
           any
           check
           or
           stop
           .
           It
           rusheth
           into
           sin
           like
           the
           horse
           into
           the
           battel
           .
           Men
           thereby
           ,
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ,
           
             giving
             themselves
             over
             to
             sin
             with
             greediness
             ,
             Ephes.
          
           4.
           19.
           
           Thus
           
             Ahabs
             will
          
           was
           in
           the
           murthering
           of
           Naboth
           ,
           he
           did
           it
           upon
           deliberation
           ,
           by
           contrivance
           ,
           with
           a
           full
           consent
           ;
           the
           doing
           of
           it
           gave
           him
           such
           satisfaction
           ,
           as
           that
           it
           cured
           his
           malady
           or
           the
           distemper
           of
           his
           mind
           .
           This
           is
           that
           
             consent
             of
             the
             will
          
           which
           is
           acted
           in
           the
           finishing
           and
           compleating
           of
           sin
           ,
           in
           unregenerate
           persons
           ,
           and
           is
           not
           required
           to
           the
           single
           bringing
           forth
           of
           sin
           ,
           whereof
           we
           speak
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           There
           is
           a
           
             Consent
             of
             the
             will
          
           ,
           which
           is
           attended
           with
           a
           secret
           renitency
           and
           volition
           of
           the
           contrary
           .
           Thus
           
           Peter's
           will
           was
           in
           the
           denying
           of
           his
           Master
           .
           His
           will
           was
           in
           it
           ,
           or
           he
           had
           not
           done
           it
           ;
           it
           was
           a
           
             voluntary
             action
          
           ,
           that
           which
           he
           chose
           to
           do
           at
           that
           season
           .
           Sin
           had
           not
           been
           
             brought
             forth
          
           ,
           if
           it
           had
           not
           been
           thus
           conceived
           .
           But
           yet
           at
           this
           very
           time
           there
           was
           resident
           in
           his
           will
           a
           contrary
           principle
           of
           love
           to
           Christ
           ,
           yea
           ,
           and
           faith
           in
           him
           which
           utterly
           failed
           not
           .
           The
           ecafficy
           of
           it
           was
           intercepted
           ,
           and
           its
           operations
           suspended
           actually
           ,
           through
           the
           violent
           urging
           of
           the
           temptation
           that
           he
           was
           under
           ;
           but
           yet
           it
           was
           in
           his
           
           will
           ,
           and
           weakned
           his
           consent
           unto
           sin
           ,
           though
           it
           consented
           :
           It
           was
           not
           done
           with
           self-pleasing
           ,
           which
           such
           full
           acts
           of
           the
           will
           do
           produce
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Although
           there
           may
           be
           a
           
             predominant
             consent
             in
             the
             will
          
           ,
           which
           may
           suffice
           for
           the
           conception
           of
           particular
           sins
           ,
           yet
           there
           cannot
           be
           an
           
             absolute
             ,
             total
             ,
             full
          
           consent
           of
           the
           will
           of
           a
           Believer
           unto
           any
           sin
           :
           for
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           There
           is
           in
           his
           will
           a
           principle
           fixed
           on
           good
           ,
           on
           all
           good
           ,
           Rom.
           7.
           21.
           
           
             He
             would
             do
             good
          
           .
           The
           principle
           of
           grace
           in
           the
           will
           ,
           inclines
           him
           to
           all
           good
           .
           And
           this
           in
           general
           is
           pravalent
           against
           the
           principle
           of
           sin
           ,
           so
           that
           the
           will
           is
           denominated
           from
           thence
           .
           Grace
           hath
           the
           rule
           and
           dominion
           ,
           and
           not
           sin
           ,
           in
           the
           will
           of
           every
           Believer
           .
           Now
           that
           consent
           unto
           sin
           in
           the
           will
           ,
           which
           is
           contrary
           to
           the
           inclination
           and
           general
           prevailing
           principle
           in
           the
           same
           will
           ,
           is
           not
           ,
           cannot
           be
           total
           ,
           absolute
           and
           complete
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           There
           is
           not
           only
           a
           general
           ,
           ●●●ng
           ,
           prevailing
           principle
           in
           the
           will
           against
           sin
           ,
           but
           there
           is
           also
           a
           secret
           reluctancy
           in
           it
           against
           its
           own
           act
           in
           consenting
           unto
           sin
           .
           It
           is
           true
           ,
           the
           soul
           is
           not
           sensible
           sometimes
           of
           this
           reluctancy
           ,
           because
           the
           present
           consent
           carries
           away
           the
           prevailing
           act
           of
           the
           will
           ,
           and
           takes
           away
           the
           sense
           of
           the
           
             lusting
             of
             the
             spirit
          
           ,
           or
           reluctancy
           of
           the
           principle
           of
           grace
           in
           the
           will.
           But
           the
           general
           rule
           holdeth
           in
           all
           things
           at
           all
           times
           ,
           Gal.
           5.
           17.
           
           
             The
             spirit
             lusteth
             against
             the
             flesh
             :
          
           it
           doth
           so
           actually
           ,
           though
           not
           always
           to
           the
           same
           degree
           ,
           nor
           with
           the
           same
           success
           .
           And
           the
           prevalency
           of
           the
           contrary
           principle
           in
           this
           or
           that
           particular
           act
           ,
           doth
           not
           disprove
           it
           .
           It
           is
           so
           
           on
           the
           other
           side
           ,
           There
           is
           no
           acting
           of
           grace
           in
           the
           will
           but
           sin
           lusts
           against
           it
           ,
           although
           that
           lusting
           be
           not
           made
           sensible
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           because
           of
           the
           prevalency
           of
           the
           contrary
           acting
           of
           grace
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           enough
           to
           keep
           those
           actings
           from
           perfection
           in
           their
           kind
           .
           So
           is
           it
           in
           this
           Renitency
           of
           grace
           against
           the
           acting
           of
           sin
           in
           the
           soul
           ;
           though
           it
           be
           not
           sensible
           in
           its
           operations
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           enough
           to
           keep
           that
           act
           from
           being
           full
           and
           complete
           .
           And
           much
           of
           spiritual
           wisdom
           lies
           in
           discerning
           aright
           between
           the
           
             spiritual
             Renitency
          
           of
           the
           principle
           of
           grace
           in
           the
           will
           against
           sin
           ,
           and
           the
           rebukes
           that
           are
           given
           the
           soul
           by
           conscience
           upon
           conviction
           for
           sin
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           Observe
           ,
           that
           reiterated
           repeated
           acts
           of
           the
           
             consent
             of
             the
             will
          
           unto
           sin
           ,
           may
           beget
           a
           disposition
           ,
           and
           inclineableness
           in
           it
           unto
           the
           like
           acts
           ,
           that
           may
           bring
           the
           will
           unto
           a
           
             proneness
             and
             readiness
          
           to
           consent
           unto
           sin
           upon
           easie
           sollicitation●
           which
           is
           a
           condition
           of
           soul
           dangerous
           ,
           and
           greatly
           to
           be
           watched
           against
           .
        
         
           Fifthly
           ,
           This
           
             consent
             of
             the
             will
          
           ,
           which
           we
           have
           thus
           described
           ,
           may
           be
           considered
           two
           ways
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           As
           it
           is
           exercised
           about
           the
           circumstances
           ,
           causes
           ,
           means
           and
           inducements
           unto
           sin
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           As
           it
           respects
           this
           or
           that
           
             actual
             sin
          
           .
           In
           the
           first
           sense
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           virtual
           consent
           of
           the
           will
           unto
           sin
           in
           every
           inadvertency
           unto
           the
           prevention
           of
           it
           ,
           in
           every
           neglect
           of
           duty
           that
           makes
           way
           for
           it
           ,
           in
           every
           hearkning
           unto
           any
           temptation
           leading
           towards
           it
           .
           In
           a
           word
           ,
           in
           all
           the
           diversions
           of
           the
           mind
           from
           its
           duty
           ,
           and
           intanglements
           of
           the
           affections
           by
           sin
           before
           mentioned
           .
           For
           where
           there
           
           is
           no
           act
           of
           the
           
             will
             formally
          
           ,
           or
           virtually
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           sin
           .
           But
           this
           is
           not
           that
           which
           we
           now
           speak
           of
           .
           But
           in
           particular
           the
           
             consent
             of
             the
             will
          
           unto
           this
           or
           that
           actual
           sin
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           that
           either
           sin
           is
           committed
           ,
           or
           is
           prevented
           by
           other
           wayes
           and
           means
           not
           of
           our
           present
           consideration
           .
           And
           herein
           consists
           the
           
             conceiving
             of
             sin
          
           .
        
         
           These
           things
           being
           supposed
           ,
           that
           which
           in
           the
           next
           place
           we
           are
           to
           consider
           ,
           is
           the
           way
           that
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           proceedeth
           in
           ;
           to
           procure
           the
           
             consent
             of
             the
             will
          
           ,
           and
           so
           to
           conceive
           actual
           sin
           in
           the
           soul.
           To
           this
           purpose
           observe
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           the
           
             will
             is
             a
             rational
             appetite
          
           ;
           Rational
           as
           guided
           by
           the
           mind
           ;
           and
           an
           appetite
           as
           excited
           by
           the
           Affections
           ;
           and
           so
           in
           its
           operation
           or
           actings
           hath
           respect
           to
           both
           ,
           is
           influenced
           by
           both
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           chuseth
           nothing
           ,
           consents
           to
           nothing
           but
           
             sub
             ratione
             boni
          
           ,
           as
           it
           hath
           an
           
             appearance
             of
             good
          
           ,
           some
           present
           good
           .
           It
           cannot
           consent
           to
           any
           thing
           under
           the
           notion
           or
           apprehension
           of
           its
           being
           evil
           in
           any
           kind
           .
           Good
           is
           its
           natural
           and
           necessary
           object
           ,
           and
           therefore
           whatever
           is
           proposed
           unto
           it
           for
           its
           consent
           ,
           must
           be
           proposed
           under
           an
           appearance
           of
           being
           either
           good
           
             in
             it self
          
           ,
           or
           good
           at
           present
           unto
           the
           soul
           ,
           or
           good
           so
           circumstantiate
           as
           it
           is
           ;
           So
           that
           ,
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           We
           may
           see
           hence
           the
           reason
           why
           the
           
             conception
             of
             sin
          
           is
           here
           placed
           as
           a
           consequent
           of
           the
           
             minds
             being
             drawn
             away
          
           ,
           and
           the
           
             Affections
             being
             entangled
          
           .
           Both
           these
           have
           an
           influence
           into
           the
           
             consent
             of
             the
             will
          
           ,
           and
           the
           conception
           of
           this
           or
           t●at
           actual
           sin
           thereby
           .
           Our
           way
           therefore
           here
           is
           
           made
           somewhat
           plain
           .
           We
           have
           seen
           at
           large
           how
           the
           mind
           is
           drawn
           away
           by
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           how
           the
           Affections
           are
           entangled
           ,
           that
           which
           remains
           is
           but
           the
           proper
           effect
           of
           these
           things
           ;
           For
           the
           discovery
           whereof
           we
           must
           instance
           in
           some
           of
           the
           special
           deceits
           ,
           corrupt
           and
           fallacious
           reasonings
           before
           mentioned
           ,
           and
           then
           shew
           their
           prevalency
           on
           the
           Will
           to
           a
           consent
           unto
           sin
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           The
           Will
           is
           imposed
           upon
           by
           that
           corrupt
           reasoning
           ,
           that
           
             Grace
             is
             exalted
             in
             pardon
          
           ;
           and
           that
           mercy
           is
           provided
           for
           sinners
           .
           This
           first
           as
           hath
           been
           shewed
           ,
           deceives
           the
           mind
           ,
           and
           that
           opens
           the
           way
           to
           the
           wills
           consent
           ,
           by
           removing
           a
           sight
           of
           evil
           which
           the
           will
           hath
           an
           aversation
           unto
           .
           And
           this
           is
           carnal
           hearts
           prevails
           so
           far
           as
           to
           make
           them
           think
           that
           their
           
             liberty
             consists
             in
             being
             servants
             of
             corruption
             ,
          
           2
           Pet.
           2.
           19.
           
           And
           the
           poyson
           of
           it
           doth
           oftentimes
           taint
           and
           vitiate
           the
           minds
           of
           Believers
           themselves
           ;
           whence
           we
           are
           so
           cautioned
           against
           it
           in
           the
           Scripture
           .
           To
           what
           therefore
           hath
           been
           spoken
           before
           ,
           unto
           the
           use
           and
           abuse
           of
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Grace
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           we
           shall
           add
           some
           few
           more
           considerations
           ,
           and
           fix
           upon
           one
           place
           of
           Scripture
           that
           will
           give
           light
           unto
           it
           .
           There
           is
           a
           twofold
           Mysterie
           of
           Grace
           ;
           of
           walking
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           coming
           unto
           God.
           And
           the
           great
           design
           of
           sin
           is
           to
           change
           the
           Doctrine
           and
           Mysterie
           of
           Grace
           in
           reference
           unto
           these
           things
           ,
           and
           that
           by
           applying
           those
           considerations
           unto
           the
           one
           ,
           which
           are
           proper
           unto
           the
           other
           ,
           whereby
           each
           part
           is
           hindred
           ,
           and
           the
           influence
           of
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           Grace
           into
           them
           for
           their
           fartherance
           defeated
           ;
           See
           1
           Joh.
           2.
           1
           ,
           2.
           
           
             These
             things
             write
             I
             
             unto
             you
             that
             ye
             sin
             not
             ;
             &
             if
             any
             man
             sin
             ,
             we
             have
             an
             Advocate
             with
             the
             Father
             ,
             Jesus
             Christ
             the
             righteous
             ;
             and
             he
             is
             the
             propitiation
             for
             our
             sins
             .
          
           Here
           is
           the
           whole
           design
           and
           use
           of
           the
           Gospel
           briefly
           expressed
           ,
           
             These
             things
          
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             I
             write
             unto
             you
          
           ;
           what
           things
           were
           these
           ?
           Those
           mentioned
           ,
           v.
           2.
           
           
             The
             life
             was
             manifested
             ,
             and
             we
             have
             seen
             it
             ,
             and
             〈◊〉
             witness
             ,
             and
             shew
             unto
             you
             that
             eternal
             life
             which
             was
             with
             the
             Father
             ,
             and
             was
             manifested
             unto
             us
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           things
           concerning
           the
           person
           and
           mediations
           of
           Christ
           ;
           and
           v.
           7.
           that
           pardon
           ,
           forgiveness
           and
           expiation
           from
           sin
           is
           to
           be
           attained
           by
           the
           blood
           of
           Christ.
           But
           to
           what
           end
           and
           purpose
           doth
           he
           write
           these
           things
           to
           them
           ,
           What
           do
           they
           teach
           ,
           what
           do
           they
           tend
           unto
           ?
           An
           universal
           abstinence
           from
           sin
           ;
           
             I
             write
             unto
             you
          
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             that
             you
             sin
             not
          
           .
           This
           is
           the
           proper
           ,
           only
           ,
           genuine
           end
           of
           the
           doctrine
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
           But
           to
           abstain
           from
           all
           sin
           ,
           is
           not
           our
           condition
           in
           this
           world
           .
           Chap.
           1.
           8.
           
           
             If
             we
             say
             that
             we
             have
             no
             sin
             ,
             we
             deceive
             our selves
             ,
             and
             the
             truth
             is
             not
             in
             us
             .
          
           What
           then
           shall
           be
           done
           in
           this
           case
           ?
           In
           supposition
           of
           sin
           ,
           that
           we
           have
           sinned
           ,
           is
           there
           no
           relief
           provided
           for
           our
           souls
           and
           consciences
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ?
           Yes
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             If
             any
             man
             sin
             ,
             we
             have
             an
             Advocate
             with
             the
             Father
             ,
             Jesus
             Christ
             the
             righteous
             ,
             and
             he
             is
             a
             propitiation
             for
             our
             sins
             .
          
           There
           is
           full
           relief
           in
           the
           propitiation
           and
           intercession
           of
           Christ
           for
           us
           .
           This
           is
           the
           order
           and
           method
           of
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Gospel
           and
           of
           the
           application
           of
           it
           to
           our
           own
           souls
           :
           First
           ,
           To
           keep
           us
           from
           sin
           ;
           and
           then
           to
           relieve
           us
           against
           sin
           .
           But
           here
           entere●h
           the
           dece●t
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           puts
           this
           
             new
             Wine
             into
             old
             Bottles
          
           ,
           whereby
           the
           bottles
           are
           brok●n
           ,
           and
           
           the
           Wine
           perisheth
           as
           to
           our
           benefit
           by
           it
           .
           It
           changeth
           this
           method
           and
           order
           of
           the
           application
           of
           Gospel-truths
           .
           It
           takes
           up
           the
           last
           first
           ,
           and
           that
           excludes
           the
           use
           of
           the
           first
           utterly
           .
           If
           any
           man
           sin
           there
           is
           pardon
           provided
           ,
           is
           all
           the
           Gospel
           that
           sin
           would
           willingly
           suffer
           to
           abide
           on
           the
           minds
           of
           men
           .
           When
           we
           would
           come
           to
           God
           by
           believing
           ,
           it
           would
           be
           pressing
           the
           former
           part
           of
           being
           
             free
             from
             sin
          
           ,
           when
           the
           Gospel
           proposeth
           the
           latter
           principally
           ,
           or
           the
           pardon
           of
           sin
           for
           our
           encouragement
           .
           When
           we
           are
           come
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           should
           walk
           with
           him
           ,
           it
           will
           have
           only
           the
           latter
           proposed
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           pardon
           of
           sin
           ,
           when
           the
           Gospel
           principally
           proposeth
           the
           former
           ,
           of
           keeping
           our selves
           from
           sin
           .
           The
           Grace
           of
           God
           bringing
           salvation
           having
           appeared
           unto
           us
           to
           that
           end
           and
           purpose
           .
           Now
           the
           mind
           being
           entangled
           with
           this
           deceit
           ,
           drawn
           off
           from
           its
           watch
           by
           it
           ,
           diverted
           from
           the
           true
           ends
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           doth
           several
           wayes
           impose
           upon
           the
           will
           to
           obtain
           its
           consent
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           By
           a
           sudden
           surprizal
           in
           case
           of
           temptation
           .
           Temptation
           is
           the
           representation
           of
           a
           thing
           as
           a
           
             present
             good
          
           ,
           a
           particular
           good
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           real
           evil
           ,
           a
           general
           evil
           .
           Now
           when
           a
           temptation
           armed
           with
           opportunity
           and
           provocation
           ,
           befalls
           the
           soul
           ,
           the
           principle
           of
           Grace
           in
           the
           will
           riseth
           up
           with
           a
           rejection
           and
           detestation
           of
           it
           .
           But
           on
           a
           sudden
           the
           mind
           being
           deceived
           by
           sin
           ,
           breaks
           in
           upon
           the
           will
           ,
           with
           a
           corrupt
           fallacious
           reasoning
           from
           Gospel-Grace
           and
           Mercy
           ,
           which
           first
           staggers
           ,
           then
           abates
           the
           wills
           opposition
           ,
           and
           then
           causeth
           it
           to
           cast
           the
           scale
           by
           its
           consent
           of
           the
           side
           of
           temptation
           ,
           
           presenting
           evil
           as
           a
           present
           good
           ;
           and
           sin
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           God
           is
           conceived
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           never
           committed
           .
           Thus
           is
           the
           seed
           of
           God
           sacrificed
           to
           Moloch
           ,
           and
           the
           weapons
           of
           Christ
           abused
           to
           the
           service
           of
           the
           Devil
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           doth
           it
           insensibly
           .
           It
           insinuates
           the
           poyson
           of
           this
           corrupt
           reasoning
           by
           little
           and
           little
           ,
           untill
           it
           hath
           greatly
           prevailed
           .
           And
           as
           the
           whole
           effect
           of
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Gospel
           in
           holiness
           and
           obedience
           ,
           consists
           in
           the
           souls
           being
           cast
           into
           the
           frame
           and
           mould
           of
           it
           ,
           Rom.
           6.
           17.
           
           So
           the
           whole
           of
           Apostasie
           from
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           is
           principally
           the
           casting
           of
           the
           soul
           into
           the
           mould
           of
           this
           false
           reasoning
           ,
           that
           sin
           may
           be
           indulged
           unto
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           Grace
           and
           pardon
           .
           Hereby
           is
           the
           soul
           gratified
           in
           sloth
           and
           negligence
           ,
           and
           taken
           off
           from
           its
           care
           ,
           as
           to
           particular
           duties
           and
           avoidance
           of
           particular
           sins
           .
           It
           works
           the
           soul
           insensibly
           off
           from
           the
           mysterie
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           Grace
           ,
           to
           look
           for
           salvation
           as
           if
           we
           had
           never
           performed
           any
           duty
           ,
           being
           after
           we
           have
           done
           all
           unprofitable
           servants
           ,
           with
           a
           resting
           on
           Soveraign
           Mercy
           ▪
           through
           the
           blood
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           to
           attend
           unto
           duties
           with
           all
           diligence
           as
           if
           we
           looked
           for
           no
           mercy
           ;
           that
           is
           with
           no
           less
           care
           ,
           though
           with
           more
           liberty
           and
           freedom
           .
           This
           the
           deceitfulness
           of
           sin
           endeavoureth
           by
           all
           means
           to
           work
           the
           soul
           from
           ,
           and
           thereby
           debaucheth
           the
           will
           when
           its
           consent
           is
           required
           unto
           particular
           sins
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           The
           deceived
           mind
           imposeth
           on
           the
           will
           to
           obtain
           its
           consent
           unto
           sin
           ,
           by
           proposing
           unto
           it
           ,
           the
           advantages
           that
           may
           accrew
           and
           arise
           thereby
           ,
           which
           is
           one
           Medium
           whereby
           its
           
           self
           also
           is
           drawn
           away
           .
           It
           renders
           that
           which
           is
           
             absolutely
             evil
          
           ,
           a
           present
           
             appearing
             good
          
           .
           So
           was
           it
           with
           
             Eve
             ,
             Gen.
          
           3.
           laying
           aside
           all
           considerations
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           Covenant
           ,
           and
           threats
           of
           God
           ,
           she
           all
           at
           once
           reflects
           upon
           the
           advantages
           ,
           pleasures
           and
           benefits
           which
           she
           should
           obtain
           by
           her
           sin
           ,
           and
           reckons
           them
           up
           to
           solicit
           the
           consent
           of
           her
           will.
           
             It
             is
          
           ,
           saith
           she
           ,
           
             good
             for
             food
             ,
             pleasant
             to
             the
             Eyes
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             desired
             to
             make
             one
             wise
             .
          
           What
           should
           she
           do
           then
           but
           eat
           it
           ;
           her
           will
           consented
           and
           she
           did
           so
           accordingly
           .
           Pleas
           for
           Obedience
           are
           laid
           out
           of
           the
           way
           ,
           and
           only
           the
           pleasures
           of
           sin
           are
           taken
           under
           consideration
           .
           So
           saith
           Ahab
           ,
           1
           King.
           21.
           
           
             Naboth's
             Vineyard
             is
             near
             my
             house
             ,
             and
             I
             may
             make
             it
             a
             Garden
             of
             Herbs
             ,
          
           therefore
           I
           must
           have
           it
           .
           These
           considerations
           a
           deceived
           mind
           imposed
           on
           his
           Will
           ;
           until
           it
           made
           him
           obstinate
           in
           the
           pursuit
           of
           his
           covetousness
           through
           perjury
           and
           murther
           ,
           to
           the
           utter
           ruine
           of
           himself
           and
           his
           Family
           .
           Thus
           is
           the
           guilt
           and
           tendency
           of
           sin
           hid
           under
           the
           covert
           of
           advantages
           and
           pleasures
           ,
           and
           so
           is
           conceived
           or
           resolved
           on
           in
           the
           soul.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           As
           the
           mind
           being
           withdrawn
           ,
           so
           the
           Affections
           being
           enticed
           and
           entangled
           ,
           do
           greatly
           farther
           the
           conception
           of
           sin
           in
           the
           soul
           by
           the
           
             consent
             of
             t●e
             will
          
           ;
           and
           they
           do
           it
           two
           waies
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           By
           s●me
           hasty
           
             impulse
             and
             surprisal
          
           ;
           being
           themselves
           ●●●●red
           up
           ,
           incited
           ,
           and
           drawn
           forth
           by
           some
           violent
           provocation
           ,
           or
           suitable
           temptation
           ,
           they
           put
           the
           whole
           soul
           as
           it
           were
           into
           a
           combustion
           ,
           and
           draw
           the
           will
           into
           a
           consent
           unto
           what
           they
           are
           provoked
           unto
           and
           entangled
           
           withal
           .
           So
           was
           the
           case
           of
           David
           in
           the
           matter
           of
           Nabal
           .
           A
           violent
           provocation
           from
           the
           extream
           unworthy
           carriage
           of
           that
           foolish
           Churle
           ,
           stirs
           him
           up
           to
           wrath
           and
           revenge
           ,
           1
           Sam.
           25.
           13.
           
           He
           resolves
           upon
           it
           ,
           to
           destroy
           an
           whole
           Family
           ,
           the
           Innocent
           with
           the
           Guilty
           ,
           ver
           .
           33
           ,
           34.
           
           Self-revenge
           ,
           and
           murther
           ,
           were
           for
           the
           season
           conceived
           ,
           resolved
           ,
           consented
           unto
           ,
           until
           God
           graciously
           took
           him
           off
           .
           His
           entangled
           ,
           provoked
           Affections
           ,
           surprised
           his
           Will
           to
           consent
           unto
           the
           conception
           of
           many
           bloody
           sins
           .
           The
           case
           was
           the
           same
           with
           Asa
           in
           his
           anger
           ,
           when
           he
           smote
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           and
           with
           Peter
           in
           his
           fear
           when
           he
           denyed
           his
           Master
           .
           Let
           that
           soul
           which
           would
           take
           heed
           of
           conceiving
           sin
           ,
           take
           heed
           of
           entangled
           Affections
           .
           For
           sin
           may
           be
           suddenly
           conceived
           ,
           the
           prevalent
           consent
           of
           the
           will
           may
           be
           suddenly
           obtained
           ,
           which
           gives
           the
           soul
           a
           fixed
           guilt
           ,
           though
           the
           sin
           it self
           be
           never
           actually
           brought
           forth
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Enticed
           Affections
           procure
           the
           
             consent
             of
             the
             will
             by
             frequent
             solicitations
             ,
          
           whereby
           they
           get
           ground
           insensibly
           upon
           it
           ,
           and
           Enthrone
           themselves
           .
           Take
           an
           Instance
           in
           the
           Sons
           of
           
             Jacob
             ,
             Gen.
          
           37.
           4.
           
           They
           hate
           their
           Brother
           ,
           because
           their
           Father
           loved
           him
           .
           Their
           Affections
           being
           enticed
           ,
           many
           new
           occasions
           fall
           out
           to
           entangle
           them
           farther
           ,
           as
           his
           Dreams
           and
           the
           like
           .
           This
           lay
           rankling
           in
           their
           hearts
           ,
           and
           never
           ceased
           soliciting
           their
           wills
           ,
           until
           they
           resolved
           upon
           his
           death
           .
           The
           unlawfulness
           ,
           the
           unnaturalness
           of
           the
           action
           ,
           the
           grief
           of
           their
           aged
           Father
           ,
           the
           guilt
           of
           their
           own
           souls
           ,
           are
           all
           laid
           aside
           ;
           that
           hatred
           and
           
           envy
           that
           they
           had
           conceived
           against
           him
           ceased
           not
           until
           they
           had
           got
           the
           consent
           of
           their
           wills
           to
           his
           ruine
           .
           This
           gradual
           progress
           of
           the
           prevalency
           of
           corrupt
           Affections
           to
           solicite
           the
           soul
           unto
           sin
           the
           Wise
           Man
           excellently
           describes
           ,
           Prov.
           23.
           31
           ,
           32
           ,
           33
           ,
           34
           ,
           35.
           
           And
           this
           is
           the
           common
           way
           of
           sins
           procedure
           in
           the
           destruction
           of
           souls
           which
           seem
           to
           have
           made
           some
           good
           Engagements
           in
           the
           wayes
           of
           God.
           When
           it
           hath
           entangled
           them
           with
           one
           temptation
           ,
           and
           brought
           the
           will
           to
           some
           liking
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           presently
           becomes
           another
           temptation
           ,
           either
           to
           the
           neglect
           of
           some
           duty
           ,
           or
           to
           the
           refusal
           of
           more
           light
           ;
           and
           commonly
           that
           whereby
           men
           fall
           off
           utterly
           from
           God
           ,
           is
           not
           that
           wherewith
           they
           are
           first
           entangled
           .
           And
           this
           may
           briefly
           suffice
           for
           the
           third
           
             Progressive
             Act
          
           of
           the
           deceit
           of
           sin
           .
           It
           obtains
           the
           
             wills
             consent
          
           unto
           its
           conception
           ,
           and
           by
           this
           means
           are
           multitudes
           of
           sins
           
             conceived
             in
             the
             heart
          
           which
           very
           little
           less
           defile
           the
           soul
           ,
           or
           cause
           it
           to
           contract
           very
           little
           less
           guilt
           ,
           than
           if
           they
           were
           actually
           committed
           .
        
         
           Unto
           what
           hath
           been
           spoken
           concerning
           the
           deceitfulness
           of
           indwelling-sin
           in
           general
           ,
           which
           greatly
           evidenceth
           its
           power
           and
           efficacy
           ,
           I
           shall
           adde
           as
           a
           close
           of
           this
           discourse
           ,
           one
           or
           two
           particular
           ways
           of
           its
           deceitful
           actings
           ,
           consisting
           in
           advantages
           that
           it
           maketh
           use
           of
           ,
           and
           means
           of
           relieving
           it self
           against
           that
           disquisition
           which
           is
           made
           after
           it
           by
           the
           Word
           and
           Spirit
           for
           its
           ruine
           .
           One
           head
           only
           of
           each
           sort
           we
           shall
           here
           name
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           It
           makes
           great
           advantage
           of
           the
           
             darkness
             of
             the
             mind
          
           ,
           to
           work
           out
           its
           design
           and
           intendments
           .
           
           The
           
             shades
             of
             a
             mind
          
           totally
           dark
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           devoid
           utterly
           of
           saving
           grace
           ,
           are
           the
           proper
           working
           place
           of
           sin
           .
           Hence
           the
           effects
           of
           it
           are
           called
           ,
           the
           
             works
             of
             darkness
             ,
             Ephes.
          
           5.
           11.
           
           Rom.
           13.
           12.
           as
           springing
           from
           thence
           .
           Sin
           works
           and
           brings
           forth
           by
           the
           help
           of
           it
           .
           The
           working
           of
           lust
           under
           the
           covert
           of
           a
           
             dark
             mind
          
           ,
           is
           as
           it
           were
           the
           upper
           Region
           of
           hell
           ;
           for
           it
           lies
           at
           the
           next
           door
           to
           it
           for
           filth
           ,
           horrour
           ,
           and
           confusion
           .
           Now
           there
           is
           a
           
             partial
             darkness
          
           abiding
           still
           in
           Believers
           ;
           they
           
             know
             but
             in
             part
          
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           13.
           12.
           
           Though
           there
           be
           in
           them
           all
           a
           principle
           of
           saving
           light
           ,
           the
           day-star
           is
           risen
           in
           their
           hearts
           ,
           yet
           all
           the
           
             shades
             of
             darkness
          
           are
           not
           utterly
           expelled
           out
           of
           them
           in
           this
           life
           .
           And
           there
           are
           two
           parts
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           or
           principal
           effects
           of
           the
           
             remaining
             darkness
          
           that
           is
           in
           Believers
           .
           First
           ,
           Ignorance
           ,
           or
           a
           nescience
           of
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           either
           Juris
           or
           Facti
           ,
           of
           the
           Rule
           and
           Law
           in
           general
           ,
           or
           of
           the
           reference
           of
           the
           particular
           fact
           that
           lies
           before
           the
           mind
           unto
           the
           Law.
           Secondly
           ,
           Errour
           and
           mistakes
           ,
           positively
           taking
           that
           for
           truth
           which
           is
           falshood
           ,
           and
           that
           for
           light
           which
           is
           darkness
           .
           Now
           of
           both
           these
           doth
           the
           
             Law
             of
             sin
          
           make
           great
           advantage
           for
           the
           exerting
           of
           its
           power
           in
           the
           soul.
           
        
         
           First
           ,
           Is
           there
           a
           remaining
           ignorance
           of
           any
           thing
           of
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           sin
           will
           be
           sure
           to
           make
           use
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           improve
           it
           to
           the
           uttermost
           .
           Though
           Abimelech
           were
           not
           a
           Believer
           ,
           yet
           he
           was
           a
           person
           that
           had
           a
           
             moral
             integrity
          
           with
           him
           in
           his
           ways
           and
           actions
           ;
           he
           declares
           himself
           to
           have
           had
           so
           ,
           in
           a
           solemn
           appeal
           to
           God
           the
           searcher
           of
           all
           hearts
           ,
           even
           in
           that
           wherein
           he
           miscarried
           ,
           Gen.
           20.
           5.
           
           
           But
           being
           ignorant
           that
           fornication
           was
           a
           sin
           ,
           or
           so
           great
           a
           sin
           ,
           as
           that
           it
           became
           not
           a
           morally
           honest
           man
           to
           defile
           himself
           with
           it
           ,
           lust
           hurries
           him
           into
           that
           intention
           of
           evil
           in
           reference
           unto
           Sarah
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           it
           there
           related
           .
           God
           complains
           that
           his
           people
           
             perished
             for
             lack
             of
             knowledge
          
           ,
           Hos.
           4.
           6.
           
           Being
           ignorant
           of
           the
           mind
           and
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           they
           rush'd
           into
           evil
           at
           every
           command
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           .
           Be
           it
           as
           to
           any
           duty
           to
           be
           performed
           ,
           or
           as
           to
           any
           sin
           to
           be
           committed
           ,
           if
           there
           be
           in
           it
           darkness
           or
           ignorance
           of
           the
           mind
           about
           them
           ,
           sin
           will
           not
           lose
           its
           advantage
           .
           Many
           a
           man
           being
           ignorant
           of
           the
           duty
           incumbent
           on
           him
           for
           the
           
             instruction
             of
             his
             family
          
           ,
           casting
           the
           whole
           weight
           of
           it
           upon
           the
           publick
           teaching
           ,
           is
           by
           the
           
             deceitfulness
             of
             sin
          
           brought
           into
           an
           habitual
           sloth
           and
           negligence
           of
           duty
           .
           So
           much
           ignorance
           of
           the
           Will
           of
           God
           and
           duty
           ,
           so
           much
           advantage
           is
           given
           to
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           .
           And
           hence
           we
           may
           see
           what
           is
           that
           true
           knowledge
           which
           with
           God
           is
           acceptable
           ;
           how
           exactly
           doth
           many
           a
           poor
           soul
           ,
           who
           is
           low
           as
           to
           notional
           knowledge
           ,
           yet
           walk
           with
           God
           ?
           It
           seems
           they
           know
           so
           much
           ,
           as
           sin
           hath
           not
           on
           that
           account
           much
           advantage
           against
           them
           ;
           when
           others
           high
           in
           their
           notions
           ,
           give
           advantage
           to
           their
           lusts
           even
           by
           their
           ignorance
           ,
           though
           they
           know
           ●itnot
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Errour
           is
           a
           worse
           part
           or
           effect
           of
           the
           minds
           darkness
           ,
           and
           gives
           great
           advantage
           to
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           .
           There
           is
           indeed
           ignorance
           in
           every
           error
           ,
           but
           there
           is
           not
           error
           in
           all
           ignorance
           ,
           and
           so
           they
           may
           be
           distinguished
           .
           I
           shall
           need
           to
           exemplifie
           this
           but
           with
           one
           consideration
           ,
           and
           that
           
           is
           ,
           of
           men
           ,
           who
           being
           zealous
           for
           some
           error
           ,
           do
           seek
           to
           suppress
           and
           persecute
           the
           truth
           .
           Indwelling-sin
           desires
           no
           greater
           advantage
           .
           How
           will
           it
           every
           day
           ,
           every
           hour
           pour
           forth
           wrath
           ,
           revilings
           ,
           hard
           speeches
           ;
           breathe
           revenge
           ,
           murther
           ,
           desolation
           ,
           under
           the
           name
           perhaps
           of
           zeal
           .
           On
           this
           account
           we
           may
           see
           poor
           creatures
           pleasing
           themselves
           every
           day
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           vaunted
           in
           their
           excellency
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           foaming
           out
           their
           own
           shame
           .
           Under
           their
           real
           darkness
           and
           pretended
           zeal
           ,
           sin
           sits
           securely
           and
           fills
           Pulpits
           ,
           Houses
           ,
           Prayers
           ,
           Streets
           ,
           with
           as
           bitter
           fruits
           of
           envy
           ,
           malice
           ,
           wrath
           ,
           hatred
           ,
           evi●●urmises
           ,
           false
           speakings
           ,
           as
           full
           as
           they
           can
           hold
           .
           The
           common
           issue
           with
           such
           poor
           creatures
           ,
           is
           ,
           the
           holy
           blessed
           meek
           Spirit
           of
           God
           withdraws
           from
           them
           ,
           and
           leaves
           them
           visibly
           and
           openly
           to
           that
           evil
           ,
           froward
           ,
           wrathful
           ,
           worldly
           spirit
           ,
           which
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           hath
           cherished
           and
           heightned
           in
           them
           .
           Sin
           dwells
           not
           any
           where
           more
           secure
           ,
           than
           in
           such
           a
           frame
           .
           Thus
           I
           say
           ,
           it
           lays
           hold
           in
           particular
           of
           advantages
           to
           practise
           upon
           ,
           with
           its
           deceitfulness
           ,
           and
           therein
           also
           to
           exert
           its
           power
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           whereof
           this
           single
           instance
           of
           its
           improving
           the
           darkness
           of
           the
           mind
           unto
           its
           own
           ends
           ,
           is
           a
           sufficient
           evidence
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           useth
           means
           of
           relieving
           it self
           against
           the
           pursuit
           ▪
           that
           is
           made
           after
           it
           in
           the
           heart
           by
           the
           Word
           and
           Spirit
           of
           grace
           .
           One
           also
           of
           its
           wiles
           ,
           in
           the
           way
           of
           instance
           ,
           I
           shall
           name
           in
           this
           kind
           ,
           and
           that
           i
           ;
           the
           
             alleviation
             of
             its
             own
             guilt
          
           .
           It
           pleads
           for
           it self
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           not
           so
           bad
           ,
           so
           filthy
           ,
           so
           fatal
           as
           is
           pretended
           ;
           and
           this
           course
           of
           
           extenuation
           it
           proceds
           in
           two
           ways
           .
           First
           ,
           Absolutely
           ;
           many
           secret
           pleas
           it
           will
           have
           that
           the
           evil
           which
           it
           tends
           unto
           is
           not
           so
           pernicious
           as
           conscience
           is
           perswaded
           that
           it
           is
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           ventured
           on
           without
           ruine
           .
           These
           considerations
           it
           will
           strongly
           urge
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           at
           work
           in
           a
           way
           of
           surprizal
           ,
           when
           the
           soul
           hath
           no
           leisure
           or
           liberty
           to
           weigh
           its
           suggestions
           in
           the
           ballance
           of
           the
           Sanctuary
           ,
           and
           not
           seldom
           is
           the
           will
           imposed
           on
           hereby
           ,
           and
           advantages
           gotten
           to
           shift
           it self
           from
           under
           the
           sword
           of
           the
           Spirit
           .
           It
           is
           not
           such
           but
           that
           it
           may
           be
           let
           alone
           ,
           or
           suffered
           to
           die
           of
           it self
           ,
           which
           probably
           within
           a
           while
           it
           will
           do
           ;
           no
           need
           of
           that
           violence
           which
           in
           mortification
           is
           to
           be
           offered
           ;
           it
           is
           time
           enough
           to
           deal
           with
           a
           matter
           of
           no
           greater
           importance
           hereafter
           ;
           With
           other
           pleas
           like
           those
           before-mentioned
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           Comparatively
           ,
           and
           this
           is
           a
           large
           field
           for
           its
           deceit
           and
           subtilty
           to
           lurk
           in
           .
           Though
           it
           is
           an
           evil
           indeed
           to
           be
           relinquished
           ,
           and
           the
           soul
           is
           to
           be
           made
           watchful
           against
           it
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           not
           of
           the
           magnitude
           and
           degree
           ;
           as
           we
           may
           see
           in
           the
           lives
           of
           others
           ,
           even
           Saints
           of
           God
           ,
           much
           less
           such
           as
           some
           Saints
           of
           old
           have
           fallen
           into
           .
           By
           these
           and
           the
           like
           pretences
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           it
           seeks
           to
           evade
           and
           keep
           its
           aboad
           in
           the
           soul
           when
           pursued
           to
           destruction
           .
           And
           how
           little
           a
           portion
           of
           its
           deceitfulness
           is
           it
           that
           we
           have
           declared
           ?
        
      
       
         
         
           CHAP.
           XIII
           .
        
         
           
             Several
             waies
             whereby
             the
             bringing
             forth
             of
             conceived
             Sin
             is
             obstructed
             .
          
        
         
           BEfore
           we
           proceed
           to
           the
           remaining
           evidences
           of
           the
           power
           and
           efficacy
           of
           the
           
             Law
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           we
           shall
           take
           occasion
           from
           what
           hath
           been
           delivered
           ,
           to
           divert
           unto
           one
           consideration
           that
           offers
           it self
           from
           that
           Scripture
           ,
           which
           was
           made
           the
           bottom
           and
           foundation
           of
           our
           discourse
           of
           the
           general
           
             deceitfulness
             of
             sin
          
           ;
           namely
           James
           1.
           14.
           
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           that
           
             lust
             conceiving
             brings
             forth
             sin
          
           ;
           seeming
           to
           intimate
           ,
           that
           look
           what
           sin
           is
           conceived
           ,
           that
           also
           is
           brought
           forth
           .
           Now
           placing
           the
           conception
           of
           sin
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           done
           ,
           in
           the
           
             consent
             of
             the
             Will
          
           unto
           it
           ,
           and
           reckoning
           ,
           as
           we
           ought
           ,
           the
           bringing
           forth
           of
           sin
           to
           consist
           in
           its
           
             actual
             commission
          
           ,
           we
           know
           that
           these
           do
           not
           necessarily
           follow
           one
           another
           .
           There
           is
           a
           world
           of
           sin
           conceived
           in
           the
           womb
           of
           the
           wills
           and
           hearts
           of
           men
           ,
           that
           is
           never
           brought
           forth
           .
           Our
           present
           business
           then
           shall
           be
           to
           enquire
           whence
           that
           comes
           to
           pass
           .
           I
           answer
           then
           ;
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           this
           is
           not
           so
           ,
           is
           no
           thanks
           to
           sin
           ,
           nor
           the
           Law
           of
           it
           .
           What
           it
           conceives
           ,
           it
           would
           bring
           forth
           ;
           and
           that
           it
           doth
           not
           ,
           is
           for
           the
           most
           part
           but
           a
           small
           abatement
           of
           its
           guilt
           .
           A
           
             determinate
             will
          
           of
           actual
           sinning
           ,
           is
           actual
           sin
           .
           There
           is
           nothing
           wanting
           on
           sins
           part
           ,
           that
           every
           conceived
           
           sin
           is
           not
           actually
           accomplished
           .
           The
           obstacle
           and
           prevention
           lies
           on
           another
           hand
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           There
           are
           two
           things
           that
           are
           necessary
           in
           the
           creature
           that
           hath
           
             conceived
             sin
          
           ,
           for
           the
           bringing
           of
           it
           forth
           .
           First
           ,
           Power
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           
             Continuance
             in
             the
             will
             of
             sinning
             ,
          
           until
           it
           be
           perpetrated
           and
           committed
           .
           Where
           these
           two
           are
           ,
           actual
           sin
           will
           unavoidably
           ensue
           .
           It
           is
           evident
           therefore
           ,
           that
           that
           which
           hinders
           conceived
           sin
           from
           being
           brought
           forth
           ,
           must
           affect
           either
           the
           power
           or
           the
           will
           of
           the
           sinner
           .
           This
           must
           be
           from
           God.
           And
           he
           hath
           two
           waies
           of
           doing
           it
           .
           First
           ,
           by
           his
           Providence
           ,
           whereby
           he
           obstructs
           the
           power
           of
           sinning
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           By
           his
           Grace
           ,
           whereby
           he
           diverts
           or
           changes
           the
           will
           of
           sinning
           .
           I
           do
           not
           mention
           these
           waies
           of
           Gods
           dispensations
           thus
           distinctly
           ,
           as
           though
           the
           one
           of
           them
           were
           alwaies
           without
           the
           other
           ;
           for
           there
           is
           much
           of
           grace
           in
           providential
           administrations
           ,
           and
           much
           of
           the
           wisdom
           of
           providence
           seen
           in
           the
           dispensations
           of
           grace
           .
           But
           I
           place
           them
           in
           this
           distinction
           ,
           because
           they
           appear
           most
           eminent
           therein
           .
           Providence
           in
           outward
           acts
           respecting
           the
           power
           of
           the
           creature
           ,
           Grace
           common
           or
           special
           in
           internal
           efficacie
           ,
           respecting
           his
           will.
           And
           we
           shall
           begin
           with
           the
           first
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           When
           sin
           is
           conceived
           ,
           the
           Lord
           obstructs
           its
           production
           by
           his
           providence
           in
           taking
           away
           ,
           or
           taking
           short
           that
           power
           which
           is
           absolutely
           necessary
           for
           its
           bringing
           forth
           or
           accomplishment
           .
           As
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           Life
           is
           the
           foundation
           of
           all
           power
           ,
           the
           principle
           of
           operation
           .
           When
           that
           ceaseth
           ,
           all
           power
           ceaseth
           with
           it
           .
           Even
           God
           himself
           ,
           to
           
           evince
           the
           everlasting
           stability
           of
           his
           own
           power
           ,
           gives
           himself
           the
           title
           of
           the
           
             living
             God.
          
           Now
           he
           frequently
           obviates
           the
           power
           of
           exerting
           sin
           actually
           ,
           by
           cutting
           short
           and
           taking
           away
           the
           liv●s
           of
           them
           that
           have
           conceived
           it
           .
           Thus
           he
           dealt
           with
           the
           Army
           of
           Senacherib
           ,
           when
           according
           as
           he
           had
           purposed
           ,
           so
           he
           threatned
           that
           
             the
             Lord
             should
             not
             deliver
             Jerusalem
             out
             of
             his
             hand
             ,
          
           2
           Kings
           18.
           35.
           
           God
           threatens
           to
           cut
           short
           his
           power
           ,
           that
           he
           should
           not
           execute
           his
           intendment
           ,
           chap.
           19.
           28.
           which
           he
           performs
           accordingly
           ,
           by
           taking
           away
           the
           
             lives
             of
             his
             souldiers
          
           ,
           ver
           .
           35.
           without
           whom
           it
           was
           impossible
           that
           his
           conceived
           sin
           should
           be
           brought
           forth
           .
           This
           providential
           dispensation
           in
           the
           obstruction
           of
           conceived
           sin
           ,
           Moses
           excellently
           sets
           forth
           in
           the
           case
           of
           
             Pharaoh
             ,
             Exod.
          
           15.
           9.
           19.
           
           
             The
             enemy
             said
             ,
             I
             will
             pursue
             ,
             I
             will
             overtake
             ,
             I
             will
             divide
             the
             spoil
             ,
             my
             lusts
             shall
             be
             satisfied
             upon
             them
             :
             I
             will
             draw
             my
             sword
             ,
             my
             hand
             shall
             destroy
             them
             .
             Thou
             didst
             blow
             with
             thy
             wind
             ,
             the
             Sea
             covered
             them
             ,
             they
             sank
             as
             lead
             in
             the
             mighty
             waters
             .
          
           Sins
           conception
           is
           fully
           expressed
           ,
           and
           as
           full
           a
           prevention
           is
           annexed
           unto
           it
           .
           In
           like
           manner
           he
           dealt
           with
           the
           Companies
           of
           Fifties
           and
           their
           Captains
           ,
           who
           came
           to
           apprehend
           Elijah
           ,
           2
           Kings
           1.
           10
           ,
           11.
           
           Fire
           came
           down
           from
           Heaven
           and
           consumed
           them
           ,
           when
           they
           were
           ready
           to
           have
           taken
           him
           .
           And
           sundry
           other
           instances
           of
           the
           like
           nature
           might
           be
           recorded
           .
           That
           which
           is
           of
           universal
           concernment
           ,
           we
           have
           in
           that
           great
           
             providential
             alteration
          
           ,
           which
           put
           a
           period
           to
           the
           lives
           of
           men
           .
           Men
           living
           
             hundreds
             of
             years
          
           ,
           had
           a
           long
           season
           to
           bring
           forth
           the
           sins
           they
           had
           conceived
           ;
           thereupon
           the
           
           earth
           was
           filled
           with
           violence
           ,
           injustice
           ,
           and
           rapine
           ,
           and
           all
           
             flesh
             corrupted
             their
             waies
          
           ,
           Gen.
           6.
           12
           ,
           19.
           
           To
           prevent
           the
           like
           inundation
           of
           sin
           ,
           God
           shortens
           the
           course
           of
           the
           pilgrimage
           of
           men
           in
           the
           earth
           ,
           and
           reduces
           their
           lives
           to
           a
           much
           shorter
           measure
           .
           Besides
           this
           general
           Law
           ,
           God
           daily
           thus
           cuts
           off
           persons
           ,
           who
           had
           conceived
           much
           mischief
           and
           violence
           in
           their
           hearts
           ,
           and
           prevents
           the
           execution
           of
           it
           .
           
             Blood-thirsty
             and
             deceitful
             men
             do
             not
             live
             out
             half
             their
             days
             .
          
           They
           have
           yet
           much
           work
           to
           do
           ,
           might
           they
           have
           but
           space
           given
           them
           to
           execute
           the
           bloody
           and
           sinful
           purposes
           of
           their
           minds
           .
           The
           Psalmist
           tells
           us
           ,
           Psal.
           146.
           4.
           
           
             In
             the
             day
             that
             the
             breath
             of
             man
             goeth
             forth
             ,
             his
             thoughts
             perish
             :
          
           he
           had
           many
           contrivances
           about
           sin
           ,
           but
           now
           they
           are
           all
           cut
           off
           .
           So
           also
           ,
           Eccles.
           8.
           12
           ,
           13.
           
           
             Though
             a
             sinner
             do
             evil
             an
             hundred
             times
             ,
             and
             his
             days
             be
             prolonged
             ;
             yet
             surely
             I
             know
             that
             it
             shall
             be
             well
             with
             them
             that
             fear
             God
             ,
             which
             fear
             before
             him
             ;
             but
             it
             shall
             not
             be
             well
             with
             the
             wicked
             ,
             neither
             shall
             he
             prolong
             his
             daies
             ,
             which
             are
             as
             a
             shadow
             ,
             because
             he
             feareth
             not
             before
             God.
          
           How
           long
           soever
           a
           wicked
           man
           lives
           ,
           yet
           he
           dies
           judicially
           ,
           and
           shall
           not
           abide
           to
           do
           the
           evil
           he
           had
           conceived
           .
        
         
           But
           now
           seeing
           we
           have
           granted
           ,
           that
           even
           Believers
           themselves
           may
           conceive
           sin
           through
           the
           power
           and
           the
           deceitfulness
           of
           it
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           enquired
           whether
           God
           ever
           thus
           obviates
           its
           production
           and
           accomplishment
           in
           them
           ,
           by
           cutting
           off
           and
           taking
           away
           their
           lives
           ,
           so
           as
           that
           they
           shall
           not
           be
           able
           to
           perform
           it
           :
           I
           answer
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           God
           doth
           not
           judicially
           cut
           off
           and
           take
           away
           the
           life
           of
           any
           of
           his
           ,
           for
           this
           end
           and
           
           purpose
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           thereby
           prevent
           the
           execution
           ,
           or
           bringing
           forth
           of
           any
           particular
           sin
           that
           he
           had
           conceived
           ,
           and
           which
           without
           that
           
             taking
             away
          
           he
           would
           have
           perpetrated
           .
           For
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           This
           is
           directly
           contrary
           to
           the
           very
           declared
           end
           of
           the
           
             patience
             of
             God
          
           towards
           them
           ,
           2
           Pet.
           3.
           9.
           
           This
           is
           the
           very
           end
           of
           the
           
             long-suffering
             of
             God
             towards
             Believers
          
           ,
           that
           before
           they
           depart
           hence
           ,
           they
           may
           come
           to
           the
           
             sense
             ,
             acknowledgment
          
           ,
           and
           repentance
           of
           every
           known
           sin
           .
           This
           is
           the
           constant
           and
           unchangeable
           rule
           of
           Gods
           patience
           in
           the
           Covenant
           of
           Grace
           ;
           which
           is
           so
           far
           from
           being
           in
           them
           an
           incouragement
           unto
           sin
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           a
           motive
           to
           universal
           watchfulness
           against
           it
           ,
           of
           the
           same
           nature
           with
           all
           Gospel-grace
           ,
           and
           of
           mercy
           in
           the
           blood
           of
           Christ.
           Now
           this
           dispensation
           whereof
           we
           speak
           ,
           would
           lie
           in
           a
           direct
           contradiction
           unto
           it
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           This
           also
           flows
           from
           the
           former
           ,
           that
           whereas
           
             conceived
             sin
          
           contains
           the
           whole
           nature
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           our
           Saviour
           at
           large
           declares
           ,
           Matth.
           5.
           
           And
           to
           be
           cut
           off
           under
           the
           guilt
           of
           it
           ,
           to
           prevent
           its
           farther
           progress
           ,
           argues
           a
           continuance
           in
           the
           purpose
           of
           it
           without
           repentance
           ;
           it
           cannot
           be
           but
           they
           must
           perish
           for
           ever
           who
           are
           so
           judicially
           cut
           off
           .
           But
           God
           deals
           not
           so
           with
           his
           ,
           he
           casts
           not
           off
           the
           people
           whom
           he
           did
           fore-know
           .
           And
           thence
           David
           prays
           for
           the
           patience
           of
           God
           before-mentioned
           ,
           that
           it
           might
           not
           be
           so
           with
           him
           ,
           Psa.
           39.
           13.
           
           
             O
             spare
             me
             that
             I
             may
             recover
             strength
             ,
             before
             I
             go
             hence
             and
             be
             no
             more
             .
          
           But
           yet
           ,
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           There
           are
           some
           cases
           wherein
           God
           may
           ,
           and
           doth
           take
           away
           the
           
             lives
             of
             his
             own
          
           to
           
           prevent
           the
           guilt
           that
           otherwise
           they
           would
           be
           involved
           in
           ;
           As
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           In
           the
           coming
           of
           some
           great
           temptation
           and
           tryal
           upon
           the
           world
           .
           God
           knowing
           that
           such
           and
           such
           of
           his
           would
           not
           be
           able
           to
           withstand
           it
           ,
           and
           hold
           out
           against
           it
           ,
           but
           would
           dishonour
           him
           ,
           and
           defile
           themselves
           ,
           he
           may
           ,
           and
           doubtless
           often
           doth
           take
           them
           out
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           to
           take
           them
           out
           of
           the
           way
           of
           it
           .
           Isa.
           57.
           1.
           
           
             The
             rig●teous
             is
             taken
             away
             from
             the
             evil
             to
             come
          
           ;
           not
           only
           the
           evil
           of
           punishment
           and
           judgement
           ,
           but
           the
           evil
           of
           temptations
           and
           trials
           ,
           which
           oftentimes
           proves
           much
           the
           worse
           of
           the
           two
           .
           Thus
           a
           Captain
           in
           war
           will
           call
           off
           a
           souldier
           from
           his
           watch
           and
           guard
           ,
           when
           he
           knows
           that
           he
           is
           not
           able
           ,
           through
           some
           infirmity
           to
           bear
           the
           stress
           and
           force
           of
           the
           enemy
           that
           is
           coming
           upon
           him
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           In
           case
           of
           their
           engagement
           into
           any
           way
           not
           acceptable
           to
           him
           ,
           through
           ignorance
           ,
           or
           not
           knowing
           of
           his
           mind
           and
           will.
           This
           seems
           to
           have
           been
           the
           case
           of
           Josiah
           .
           And
           doubtless
           the
           Lord
           doth
           oftentimes
           thus
           proceed
           with
           his
           .
           When
           any
           of
           
             his
             own
          
           are
           engaged
           in
           waies
           that
           please
           him
           not
           ,
           through
           the
           darkness
           and
           ignorance
           of
           their
           minds
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           not
           proceed
           to
           farther
           evil
           or
           mischief
           ,
           he
           calls
           them
           off
           from
           their
           station
           and
           employment
           ,
           and
           takes
           them
           to
           himself
           ,
           where
           they
           shall
           erre
           and
           mistake
           no
           more
           .
           But
           in
           ordinary
           cases
           ,
           God
           hath
           other
           waies
           of
           diverting
           his
           own
           from
           sin
           ,
           than
           by
           killing
           of
           them
           ,
           as
           we
           shall
           see
           afterwards
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           God
           providentially
           hinders
           the
           bringing
           forth
           of
           conceived
           sin
           ,
           by
           taking
           away
           ,
           
           and
           
             cutting
             short
             the
             power
             of
             them
             that
             had
             conceived
             it
          
           ;
           so
           that
           though
           their
           lives
           continue
           ,
           they
           shall
           not
           have
           that
           power
           ,
           without
           which
           it
           is
           impossible
           for
           them
           to
           execute
           what
           they
           had
           intended
           ,
           or
           to
           bring
           forth
           what
           they
           had
           conceived
           .
           Hereof
           also
           we
           have
           sundry
           instances
           .
           Thus
           was
           the
           case
           with
           the
           
             Builders
             of
             Babel
          
           ,
           Gen.
           11.
           
           What
           ever
           it
           were
           in
           particular
           that
           they
           aimed
           at
           ,
           it
           was
           in
           the
           pursuit
           of
           a
           design
           of
           Apostasie
           from
           God.
           One
           thing
           requisite
           to
           the
           accomplishing
           of
           what
           they
           aimed
           at
           ,
           was
           the
           
             oneness
             of
             their
             language
          
           ;
           so
           God
           sayes
           ,
           v.
           6.
           
           
             They
             have
             all
             one
             language
             ,
             and
             this
             they
             begin
             to
             do
             ,
             and
             now
             nothing
             will
             be
             restrained
             from
             them
             that
             they
             have
             imagined
             to
             do
             .
          
           In
           an
           ordinary
           way
           they
           will
           accomplish
           their
           wicked
           design
           .
           What
           course
           doth
           God
           now
           take
           to
           obviate
           their
           conceived
           sin
           ?
           doth
           he
           bring
           a
           flood
           upon
           them
           to
           destroy
           them
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           old
           world
           sometime
           before
           ?
           Doth
           he
           send
           his
           Angel
           to
           cut
           them
           off
           ,
           like
           the
           Army
           of
           Senacherib
           afterwards
           ?
           Doth
           he
           by
           any
           means
           take
           away
           their
           lives
           ?
           No
           ,
           their
           lives
           are
           continued
           ,
           but
           he
           
             confounds
             their
             language
          
           ,
           so
           that
           they
           cannot
           go
           on
           with
           their
           work
           ,
           ver
           .
           7.
           takes
           away
           that
           wherein
           their
           power
           consisted
           .
           In
           like
           manner
           did
           he
           proceed
           with
           the
           Sodomites
           ,
           Gen.
           19.
           11.
           they
           were
           engaged
           in
           ,
           and
           set
           upon
           the
           pursuit
           of
           their
           filthy
           lusts
           .
           God
           smites
           them
           with
           blindness
           ,
           so
           that
           they
           could
           not
           find
           the
           door
           where
           they
           thought
           to
           have
           used
           violence
           for
           the
           compassing
           of
           their
           ends
           ;
           their
           lives
           were
           continued
           ,
           and
           their
           will
           of
           sinning
           ,
           but
           their
           power
           is
           cut
           short
           and
           abridged
           .
           His
           dealing
           with
           Jeroboam
           ,
           1
           King.
           13.
           4.
           was
           of
           the
           
           same
           nature
           .
           He
           
             stretched
             out
             his
             hand
          
           to
           lay
           hold
           of
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           and
           it
           withered
           and
           became
           useless
           .
           And
           this
           is
           an
           eminent
           way
           of
           the
           effectual
           acting
           of
           Gods
           providence
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           for
           the
           stopping
           of
           that
           inundation
           of
           sin
           ,
           which
           would
           overflow
           all
           the
           earth
           were
           every
           womb
           of
           it
           opened
           .
           He
           cuts
           men
           short
           of
           their
           moral
           power
           ,
           whereby
           they
           should
           effect
           it
           .
           Many
           a
           wretch
           that
           hath
           conceived
           mischief
           against
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           ,
           hath
           by
           this
           means
           been
           divested
           of
           his
           power
           ,
           whereby
           he
           thought
           to
           accomplish
           it
           .
           Some
           have
           their
           bodies
           smitten
           with
           diseases
           ,
           that
           they
           can
           no
           more
           serve
           their
           lusts
           ,
           nor
           accompany
           them
           in
           the
           perpetrating
           of
           folly
           .
           Some
           are
           deprived
           of
           the
           instruments
           whereby
           they
           would
           work
           .
           There
           hath
           been
           for
           many
           daies
           ,
           sin
           and
           mischief
           enough
           conceived
           ,
           to
           root
           out
           the
           generation
           of
           the
           righteous
           from
           the
           face
           of
           the
           earth
           ,
           had
           men
           strength
           and
           ability
           to
           their
           will
           ,
           did
           not
           God
           cut
           off
           and
           shorten
           their
           power
           ,
           and
           the
           daies
           of
           their
           prevalency
           .
           Psa.
           64.
           6.
           
           
             They
             search
             out
             iniquities
             ,
             they
             accomplish
             a
             diligent
             search
             ,
             both
             the
             inward
             thought
             of
             every
             one
             of
             them
             and
             the
             heart
             is
             deep
             .
          
           All
           things
           are
           in
           a
           readiness
           ,
           the
           design
           is
           well
           laid
           ,
           their
           counsels
           are
           deep
           and
           secret
           .
           What
           now
           shall
           hinder
           them
           from
           doing
           what
           ever
           they
           have
           imagined
           to
           do
           ?
           v.
           7
           ,
           8.
           
           
             But
             God
             shall
             shoot
             at
             them
             with
             an
             arrow
             ,
             suddenly
             shall
             they
             be
             wounded
             :
             so
             they
             shall
             make
             their
             own
             tongue
             to
             fall
             upon
             themselves
             .
          
           God
           meets
           with
           them
           ,
           brings
           them
           down
           ,
           that
           they
           shall
           not
           be
           able
           to
           accomplish
           their
           d●sign
           .
           And
           this
           way
           of
           Gods
           preventing
           sin
           ,
           seems
           to
           b●at
           e●st
           ordinarily
           ,
           peculiar
           to
           the
           men
           of
           the
           
           world
           ;
           God
           deals
           thus
           with
           them
           every
           day
           ,
           and
           leaves
           them
           to
           pine
           away
           in
           their
           sins
           .
           They
           go
           all
           their
           daies
           big
           with
           the
           iniquity
           they
           have
           conceived
           ,
           and
           are
           greatly
           burdened
           that
           they
           ●anno●
           be
           delivered
           of
           it
           .
           The
           Prophet
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           
             they
             practise
             iniquity
             that
             they
             had
             conceived
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             in
             the
             power
             of
             their
             hand
             ,
          
           Micah
           2.
           1.
           
           If
           they
           have
           power
           for
           it
           ,
           they
           will
           accomplish
           it
           ;
           Ezek.
           22.
           6.
           
           
             To
             their
             power
             they
             shed
             blood
             .
          
           This
           is
           the
           measure
           of
           their
           sinning
           ,
           even
           their
           power
           .
           They
           do
           many
           of
           them
           ,
           no
           more
           evil
           ,
           they
           commit
           no
           more
           sin
           than
           they
           can
           .
           Their
           whole
           restraint
           lies
           in
           being
           cut
           short
           in
           power
           in
           one
           kind
           or
           another
           .
           Their
           bodies
           will
           not
           serve
           them
           for
           their
           contrived
           uncleannesses
           ;
           nor
           their
           hands
           for
           their
           revenge
           and
           rapine
           ,
           nor
           their
           Instruments
           for
           persecution
           ;
           but
           they
           go
           burdened
           with
           conceived
           sin
           ,
           and
           are
           disquieted
           and
           tortured
           by
           it
           all
           their
           daies
           .
           And
           hence
           they
           become
           in
           themselves
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           unto
           others
           ,
           a
           
             troubled
             Sea
             that
             cannot
             rest
             ,
             Isa.
          
           57.
           20.
           
        
         
           It
           may
           be
           also
           in
           some
           cases
           ,
           under
           some
           violent
           temptations
           ,
           or
           in
           mistakes
           ,
           God
           may
           thus
           obviate
           the
           accomplishment
           of
           conceived
           sin
           in
           his
           own
           .
           And
           there
           seems
           to
           be
           an
           instance
           of
           it
           in
           his
           dealing
           with
           Jehosaphat
           ,
           who
           had
           designed
           against
           the
           mind
           of
           God
           to
           joyn
           in
           affinity
           with
           Ahab
           ,
           and
           to
           send
           his
           Ships
           with
           him
           to
           Tarshish
           ;
           but
           God
           breaks
           his
           Ships
           by
           a
           wind
           ,
           that
           he
           could
           not
           accomplish
           what
           he
           had
           designed
           .
           But
           in
           Gods
           dealing
           with
           ●is
           in
           this
           way
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           difference
           from
           the
           same
           dispensation
           towards
           others
           ;
           for
           ,
        
         
         
           First
           ,
           It
           is
           so
           onl●
           in
           cases
           of
           
             exraordinary
             temptation
          
           .
           When
           through
           the
           violence
           of
           temptation
           ,
           and
           craft
           of
           Satan
           ,
           they
           are
           hurryed
           from
           under
           the
           conduct
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           grace
           ,
           God
           one
           way
           or
           other
           takes
           away
           their
           power
           ,
           or
           may
           do
           so
           ,
           that
           they
           shall
           not
           be
           able
           to
           execute
           what
           they
           had
           designed
           .
           But
           this
           is
           an
           ordinary
           way
           of
           dealing
           with
           wicked
           men
           .
           This
           hook
           of
           God
           is
           upon
           them
           in
           the
           whole
           course
           of
           their
           lives
           ;
           and
           they
           struggle
           with
           it
           ,
           being
           as
           a
           wild
           Bull
           in
           a
           net
           ,
           Isa.
           51.
           20.
           
           Gods
           Net
           is
           upon
           them
           ,
           and
           they
           are
           filled
           with
           fury
           that
           they
           cannot
           do
           all
           the
           wickedness
           that
           they
           would
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           God
           doth
           it
           not
           to
           leave
           them
           to
           wrestle
           with
           Sin
           ,
           and
           to
           attempt
           other
           waies
           of
           its
           accomplishment
           upon
           the
           failure
           of
           that
           which
           they
           were
           ingaged
           in
           ,
           but
           by
           their
           disappointment
           awakens
           them
           to
           consider
           their
           condition
           ,
           and
           what
           they
           are
           doing
           ,
           and
           so
           
             consumes
             sin
             in
             the
             womb
          
           by
           the
           waies
           that
           shall
           afterwards
           be
           insisted
           on
           .
           Some
           Mens
           deprivation
           of
           power
           for
           the
           committing
           of
           conceived
           contrived
           sin
           ,
           hath
           been
           sanctified
           to
           the
           changing
           of
           their
           hearts
           from
           all
           dalliances
           with
           that
           or
           other
           sins
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           God
           providentially
           hinders
           the
           bringing
           forth
           of
           conceived
           sin
           ,
           by
           opposing
           an
           
             external
             hindering
             power
          
           unto
           sinners
           .
           He
           leaves
           them
           their
           lives
           ,
           and
           leaves
           them
           power
           to
           do
           what
           they
           intend
           ,
           only
           he
           raiseth
           up
           an
           opposite
           power
           to
           coerce
           ,
           forbid
           ,
           and
           restrain
           them
           .
           An
           ●●stance
           hereof
           we
           have
           ,
           1
           Sam.
           14.
           35.
           
           Saul
           had
           sworn
           that
           Jonathan
           should
           be
           put
           to
           death
           ,
           and
           as
           far
           as
           appears
           went
           on
           resolutely
           to
           have
           slain
           him
           ;
           God
           
           stirs
           up
           the
           spirit
           of
           the
           People
           ,
           they
           oppose
           themselves
           to
           the
           wrath
           and
           fury
           of
           Saul
           ,
           and
           Jonathan
           is
           delivered
           .
           So
           also
           2
           Chron.
           26.
           7
           ,
           8
           ,
           19.
           when
           King
           Vzziah
           would
           have
           in
           his
           own
           Person
           offered
           Incense
           contrary
           to
           the
           Law
           ,
           
             Eighty
             Men
             of
             the
             Priests
          
           resisted
           him
           ,
           and
           drove
           him
           out
           of
           the
           Temple
           .
           And
           to
           this
           head
           are
           to
           be
           referred
           all
           the
           assistances
           which
           God
           stirreth
           up
           for
           deliverance
           of
           his
           People
           against
           the
           fury
           of
           Persecutors
           .
           He
           raiseth
           
             up
             Saviours
          
           or
           Believers
           
             on
             Mount
             Sion
             ,
             to
             judge
             the
             Mount
             of
             Edom
          
           ;
           so
           Rev.
           12.
           16.
           
           The
           Dragon
           ,
           and
           those
           acting
           under
           him
           ,
           spirited
           by
           him
           ,
           were
           in
           a
           furious
           endeavour
           for
           the
           destruction
           of
           the
           Church
           ;
           God
           stirs
           up
           the
           Earth
           to
           her
           assistance
           ,
           even
           men
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           not
           engaged
           with
           others
           in
           the
           design
           of
           Satan
           ,
           and
           by
           their
           opposition
           hinders
           them
           from
           the
           execution
           of
           their
           designed
           rage
           .
           Of
           this
           nature
           ,
           seems
           to
           be
           that
           dealing
           of
           God
           with
           his
           own
           People
           ,
           Hos.
           2.
           6
           ,
           7.
           
           They
           were
           in
           the
           pursuit
           of
           their
           iniquities
           ,
           following
           after
           their
           Lovers
           ;
           God
           leaves
           them
           for
           a
           while
           to
           act
           in
           the
           folly
           of
           their
           spirits
           ,
           but
           he
           sets
           a
           hedge
           ,
           and
           a
           wall
           before
           them
           that
           they
           shall
           not
           be
           able
           to
           fulfill
           their
           designs
           and
           lusts
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           God
           obviates
           the
           accomplishment
           of
           conceived
           sin
           ,
           by
           removing
           ,
           or
           taking
           away
           the
           ob●ects
           on
           whom
           ,
           or
           about
           whom
           ,
           the
           sin
           conceived
           was
           to
           be
           committed
           .
           Acts
           12.
           11.
           yields
           us
           a
           signal
           Instance
           of
           this
           issue
           of
           Providence
           :
           When
           the
           day
           was
           coming
           wherein
           Herod
           thought
           to
           have
           slain
           Peter
           who
           was
           shut
           up
           in
           Prison
           ,
           God
           sends
           and
           takes
           him
           away
           from
           their
           rage
           and
           
           lying
           in
           wait
           .
           So
           also
           was
           our
           Saviour
           himself
           taken
           away
           from
           the
           murderous
           rage
           of
           the
           Jews
           before
           his
           hour
           was
           come
           ,
           Joh.
           8.
           59.
           chap.
           10
           ,
           39.
           
           Both
           Primitive
           and
           latter
           times
           are
           full
           of
           stories
           to
           this
           purpose
           :
           Prison-doors
           have
           been
           opened
           ,
           and
           poor
           Creatures
           appointed
           to
           die
           have
           been
           frequently
           rescued
           from
           the
           Jaws
           of
           death
           .
           In
           the
           World
           it self
           amongst
           the
           men
           thereof
           ,
           Adulterers
           and
           Adulteresses
           ,
           the
           sin
           of
           the
           one
           is
           often
           hindred
           and
           stifled
           by
           the
           taking
           away
           of
           the
           other
           .
           So
           wings
           were
           given
           to
           the
           woman
           to
           carry
           her
           into
           the
           Wilderness
           and
           to
           disappoint
           the
           World
           in
           the
           execution
           of
           their
           rage
           ,
           Rev.
           12.
           14.
           
        
         
           Fifthly
           ,
           God
           doth
           this
           by
           some
           eminent
           diversions
           of
           the
           thoughts
           of
           Men
           who
           had
           conceived
           sin
           ;
           Gen.
           37.
           24.
           
           The
           
             Brethren
             of
             Joseph
          
           cast
           him
           into
           a
           pit
           ,
           with
           an
           intent
           to
           famish
           him
           there
           ;
           whilest
           they
           were
           as
           it
           seems
           ,
           pleasing
           themselves
           with
           what
           they
           had
           done
           ,
           God
           orders
           a
           Company
           of
           Merchants
           to
           come
           by
           ,
           and
           diverts
           their
           thoughts
           with
           that
           new
           object
           from
           the
           killing
           ,
           to
           the
           selling
           of
           their
           Brother
           ,
           vers
           .
           26
           ,
           27.
           
           And
           how
           far
           therein
           they
           were
           subservient
           to
           the
           infinitely
           wise
           Counsel
           of
           God
           ,
           we
           know
           .
           Thus
           also
           when
           Saul
           was
           in
           the
           pursuit
           of
           David
           ,
           and
           was
           even
           ready
           to
           prevail
           against
           him
           to
           his
           destruction
           .
           God
           stirs
           up
           the
           Philistins
           to
           invade
           the
           Land
           ,
           which
           both
           diverted
           his
           thoughts
           ,
           and
           drew
           the
           course
           of
           his
           actings
           another
           way
           ,
           1
           Sam.
           27.
           27.
           
        
         
           And
           these
           are
           
             some
             of
             the
             waies
          
           whereby
           God
           is
           pleased
           to
           hinder
           the
           bringing
           forth
           of
           
             conceived
             sin
          
           ,
           by
           opposing
           himself
           and
           his
           Providence
           to
           the
           
           
             power
             of
             the
             sinning
             Creature
          
           .
           And
           we
           may
           a
           little
           in
           our
           passage
           take
           a
           brief
           view
           of
           the
           great
           advantages
           to
           Faith
           ,
           and
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           may
           be
           found
           in
           this
           matter
           .
           As
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           This
           may
           give
           us
           a
           little
           insight
           into
           the
           ever
           to
           be
           adored
           Providence
           of
           God
           ,
           by
           these
           and
           the
           like
           waies
           in
           great
           variety
           obstructing
           the
           breaking
           forth
           of
           sin
           in
           the
           World.
           It
           is
           he
           who
           makes
           those
           dams
           ,
           and
           shuts
           up
           those
           flood-gates
           of
           corrupted
           Nature
           ,
           that
           it
           shall
           not
           break
           forth
           in
           a
           deluge
           of
           filthy
           Abominations
           to
           overwhelm
           the
           Creation
           with
           confusion
           and
           disorder
           .
           As
           it
           was
           of
           old
           ,
           so
           it
           is
           at
           this
           day
           ;
           
             Every
             thought
             and
             imagination
             of
             the
             heart
             of
             Man
             is
             evil
             ,
             and
             that
             continually
             .
          
           That
           all
           the
           Earth
           is
           not
           in
           all
           places
           filled
           with
           violence
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           of
           old
           ,
           is
           meerly
           from
           the
           mighty
           hand
           of
           God
           working
           effectually
           for
           the
           obstructing
           of
           sin
           .
           From
           hence
           alone
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           the
           High-waies
           ,
           Streets
           and
           Fields
           ,
           are
           not
           all
           filled
           with
           violence
           ,
           blood
           ,
           rapine
           ,
           uncleanness
           ,
           and
           every
           villany
           that
           the
           heart
           of
           Man
           can
           conceive
           .
           O
           the
           infinite
           beauty
           of
           divine
           Wisdom
           and
           Providence
           in
           the
           government
           of
           the
           World
           !
           For
           the
           Conservation
           of
           it
           asks
           daily
           no
           less
           power
           and
           wisdom
           than
           the
           first
           making
           of
           it
           did
           require
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           If
           we
           will
           look
           to
           our
           own
           Concernments
           ,
           they
           will
           in
           a
           special
           manner
           inforce
           us
           to
           adore
           the
           wisdom
           and
           efficacy
           of
           the
           Providence
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           stopping
           the
           progress
           of
           
             conceived
             sin
          
           .
           That
           we
           are
           at
           peace
           in
           our
           Houses
           ,
           at
           rest
           in
           our
           Beds
           ,
           that
           we
           have
           any
           quiet
           iu
           our
           Enjoyments
           ,
           is
           from
           hence
           alone
           :
           Whose
           Person
           
           would
           not
           be
           defiled
           ,
           or
           destroyed
           ?
           whose
           Habitation
           would
           not
           be
           ruined
           ?
           whose
           blood
           almost
           would
           not
           be
           shed
           ,
           if
           wicked
           Men
           had
           power
           to
           perpetrate
           all
           their
           conceived
           sin
           ?
           It
           may
           be
           the
           ruine
           of
           some
           of
           us
           hath
           been
           conceived
           a
           thousand
           times
           .
           We
           are
           beholding
           to
           this
           Providence
           of
           obstructing
           sin
           ,
           for
           our
           Lives
           ,
           our
           Families
           ,
           our
           Estates
           ,
           our
           Liberties
           ,
           for
           whatsoever
           is
           ,
           or
           may
           be
           dear
           unto
           us
           .
           For
           may
           we
           not
           say
           sometimes
           with
           the
           Psalmist
           ,
           Psal.
           57.
           4.
           
           
             My
             Soul
             is
             among
             Lyons
             ,
             and
             I
             lie
             even
             among
             them
             that
             are
             set
             on
             fire
             ,
             even
             the
             sons
             of
             Men
             ,
             whose
             teeth
             are
             spears
             and
             arrows
             ,
             and
             their
             tongue
             a
             sharp
             sword
             .
          
           And
           how
           is
           the
           deliverance
           of
           Men
           contrived
           from
           such
           Persons
           ,
           Psal.
           58.
           6.
           
           
             God
             breaks
             their
             teeth
             in
             their
             mouths
             ,
             even
             the
             great
             teeth
             of
             the
             young
             Lyons
             .
          
           He
           keeps
           this
           fire
           from
           burning
           ,
           or
           quencheth
           it
           when
           it
           's
           ready
           to
           break
           out
           into
           a
           flame
           .
           He
           breaks
           their
           spears
           and
           arrows
           ,
           so
           that
           sometimes
           we
           are
           not
           so
           much
           as
           wounded
           by
           them
           :
           Some
           he
           cuts
           off
           and
           destroyes
           ,
           some
           he
           cuts
           short
           in
           their
           power
           ,
           some
           he
           deprives
           of
           the
           Instruments
           whereby
           alone
           they
           can
           work
           ,
           some
           he
           prevents
           of
           their
           desired
           opportunities
           ,
           or
           diverts
           by
           other
           objects
           for
           their
           lusts
           ,
           and
           oftentimes
           causeth
           them
           to
           spend
           them
           among
           themselves
           one
           upon
           another
           .
           We
           may
           say
           therefore
           with
           the
           
             Psalmist
             ,
             Psal.
          
           104.
           24.
           
           
             O
             Lord
             ,
             how
             manifold
             are
             thy
             works
             ,
             in
             wisdom
             hast
             thou
             made
             them
             all
             ,
             the
             Earth
             is
             full
             of
             thy
             Riches
          
           ;
           and
           with
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           Hos.
           14.
           9.
           
           
             Who
             is
             wise
             and
             he
             shall
             understand
             these
             things
             ,
             prudent
             and
             he
             shall
             know
             them
             ;
             all
             the
             waies
             of
             the
             Lord
             are
             right
             ,
             and
             the
             
             Just
             shall
             walk
             in
             them
             ,
             but
             the
             Transgressors
             shall
             fall
             therein
             .
          
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           If
           these
           and
           the
           like
           are
           the
           ways
           whereby
           God
           obviates
           the
           bringing
           forth
           of
           conceived
           sin
           in
           wicked
           Men
           ,
           we
           may
           learn
           hence
           how
           miserable
           their
           condition
           is
           ,
           and
           in
           what
           perpetual
           torment
           for
           the
           most
           part
           they
           spend
           their
           daies
           :
           They
           are
           like
           a
           
             troubled
             Sea
          
           ,
           saith
           the
           Lord
           ,
           
             that
             cannot
             rest
          
           .
           As
           they
           endeavour
           that
           others
           may
           have
           no
           peace
           ,
           so
           it
           is
           certain
           that
           themselves
           have
           not
           any
           ;
           the
           principle
           of
           sin
           is
           not
           impaired
           nor
           weakned
           in
           them
           ,
           the
           will
           of
           sinning
           is
           not
           taken
           away
           :
           They
           have
           a
           
             Womb
             of
             sin
          
           that
           is
           able
           to
           conceive
           Monsters
           every
           moment
           .
           Yea
           ,
           for
           the
           most
           part
           they
           are
           forging
           and
           framing
           folly
           all
           the
           day
           long
           :
           One
           lust
           or
           other
           they
           are
           contriving
           how
           to
           satisfie
           ;
           they
           are
           either
           devouring
           by
           malice
           and
           revenge
           ,
           or
           vitiating
           by
           uncleanness
           ,
           or
           trampling
           on
           by
           ambition
           ,
           or
           swallowing
           down
           by
           covetousness
           all
           that
           stand
           before
           them
           .
           Many
           of
           their
           follies
           and
           mischiefs
           they
           bring
           to
           the
           very
           birth
           ,
           and
           are
           in
           pain
           to
           be
           delivered
           ;
           but
           God
           every
           day
           fills
           them
           with
           disappointment
           ▪
           and
           
             shuts
             up
             the
             womb
          
           of
           sin
           .
           Some
           are
           filled
           with
           hatred
           of
           Gods
           people
           all
           their
           daies
           ,
           and
           never
           once
           have
           an
           opportunity
           to
           exercise
           it
           .
           So
           David
           describes
           them
           ,
           Psal.
           59.
           6.
           
           
             They
             return
             at
             evening
             ,
             they
             make
             a
             noise
             like
             a
             Dog
             ,
             and
             go
             round
             about
             the
             City
             .
             They
             go
             up
             and
             down
             and
             belch
             out
             with
             their
             mouths
             ,
             swords
             are
             in
             their
             lips
          
           ;
           Vers.
           7.
           and
           yet
           are
           not
           able
           to
           accomplish
           their
           designs
           :
           What
           torture
           do
           such
           poor
           creatures
           live
           in
           ?
           Envy
           ,
           malice
           ,
           wrath
           ,
           revenge
           ,
           devour
           their
           hearts
           by
           
           not
           getting
           vent
           .
           And
           when
           God
           hath
           exercised
           the
           other
           acts
           of
           his
           wise
           Providence
           in
           cutting
           short
           their
           power
           ,
           or
           opposing
           a
           greater
           power
           to
           them
           when
           nothing
           else
           will
           doe
           ,
           he
           cuts
           them
           off
           in
           their
           sins
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           grave
           they
           go
           full
           of
           purposes
           of
           Iniquity
           .
           Others
           are
           no
           less
           hurryed
           and
           diverted
           by
           the
           power
           of
           other
           lusts
           which
           they
           are
           not
           able
           to
           satisfie
           :
           This
           is
           the
           sore
           travail
           they
           are
           exercised
           with
           ,
           all
           their
           dayes
           .
           If
           they
           accomplish
           their
           designs
           ,
           they
           are
           more
           wicked
           and
           hellish
           than
           before
           ;
           and
           if
           they
           do
           not
           ,
           they
           are
           filled
           whith
           vexation
           and
           discontentment
           .
           This
           is
           the
           portion
           of
           them
           who
           know
           not
           the
           Lord
           ,
           nor
           the
           power
           of
           his
           grace
           .
           Envy
           not
           their
           condition
           ,
           notwithstanding
           their
           outward
           glittering
           shew
           ,
           their
           hearts
           are
           full
           of
           anxiety
           trouble
           and
           sorrow
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           Do
           we
           see
           sometimes
           the
           flood-gates
           of
           Mens
           lusts
           and
           rage
           set
           open
           against
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           interest
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           doth
           prevalency
           attend
           them
           ,
           and
           power
           is
           for
           a
           season
           on
           their
           side
           ,
           let
           not
           the
           Saints
           of
           God
           despond
           .
           He
           hath
           unspeakably
           various
           and
           effectual
           wayes
           for
           the
           
             stifling
             of
             their
             conceptions
          
           to
           give
           them
           dry
           breasts
           and
           a
           miscarrying
           womb
           .
           He
           can
           stop
           their
           fury
           when
           he
           pleaseth
           ;
           Surely
           ,
           saith
           
             David
             ,
             the
             wrath
             of
             Man
             shall
             praise
             thee
             ,
             the
             remainder
             of
             wrath
             shalt
             thou
             restrain
             ,
          
           Psal.
           76.
           10.
           
           When
           so
           much
           of
           their
           wrath
           is
           let
           out
           as
           shall
           exalt
           his
           praise
           ,
           he
           can
           when
           he
           pleaseth
           set
           up
           a
           power
           greater
           than
           the
           combined
           strength
           of
           all
           sinning
           Creatures
           ,
           and
           restrain
           the
           remainder
           of
           the
           wrath
           that
           they
           had
           conceived
           .
           He
           
             shall
             cut
             off
             the
             spirit
             of
             Princes
             ,
             
             He
             is
             terrible
             to
             the
             Kings
             of
             the
             earth
             ,
          
           v.
           12.
           
           Some
           he
           will
           cut
           off
           and
           destroy
           ,
           some
           he
           will
           terrifie
           and
           affright
           ,
           and
           prevent
           the
           rage
           of
           all
           .
           He
           can
           knock
           them
           on
           the
           head
           ,
           or
           break
           out
           their
           teeth
           ,
           or
           chain
           up
           their
           wrath
           ,
           and
           who
           can
           oppose
           him
           ?
        
         
           Fifthly
           ,
           Those
           who
           have
           received
           benefit
           by
           any
           of
           the
           waies
           mentioned
           ,
           may
           know
           to
           whom
           they
           owe
           their
           preservation
           ,
           and
           not
           look
           on
           it
           as
           a
           common
           thing
           .
           When
           you
           have
           
             conceived
             sin
          
           ,
           hath
           God
           weakened
           your
           power
           for
           sin
           ,
           or
           denied
           you
           opportunity
           ,
           or
           took
           away
           the
           object
           of
           your
           lusts
           ,
           or
           diverted
           your
           thoughts
           by
           new
           Providences
           ,
           know
           assuredly
           that
           you
           have
           received
           mercy
           thereby
           .
           Though
           God
           deal
           not
           these
           providences
           alwaies
           in
           a
           subserviency
           to
           the
           Covenant
           of
           Grace
           ,
           yet
           there
           is
           always
           mercy
           in
           them
           ,
           always
           a
           call
           in
           them
           to
           consider
           the
           Author
           of
           them
           .
           Had
           not
           God
           thus
           dealt
           with
           you
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           this
           day
           you
           ha●
           been
           a
           terrour
           to
           your selves
           ,
           a
           shame
           to
           your
           relations
           ,
           and
           under
           the
           punishment
           due
           to
           some
           notorious
           sins
           which
           you
           had
           conceived
           .
           Besides
           ,
           there
           is
           commonly
           an
           
             additional
             guilt
          
           in
           sin
           brought
           forth
           ,
           above
           what
           is
           in
           the
           meer
           conception
           of
           it
           .
           It
           may
           be
           others
           would
           have
           been
           ruined
           by
           it
           here
           ,
           or
           drawn
           into
           a
           partnership
           in
           sin
           by
           it
           ,
           and
           so
           have
           been
           eternally
           ruined
           by
           it
           ,
           all
           which
           are
           prevented
           by
           these
           providences
           ,
           and
           Eternity
           will
           witness
           ,
           tha●
           there
           is
           a
           singularity
           of
           mercy
           in
           them
           .
           Do
           not
           look
           then
           on
           any
           such
           things
           as
           common
           accidents
           ,
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           is
           in
           them
           all
           ;
           and
           that
           a
           merciful
           hand
           if
           not
           despised
           :
           if
           it
           be
           ,
           yet
           God
           doth
           good
           to
           others
           by
           it
           ,
           
           the
           World
           is
           the
           better
           ,
           and
           you
           are
           not
           so
           wicked
           as
           you
           would
           be
           .
        
         
           Sixthly
           ,
           We
           may
           also
           see
           hence
           the
           great
           use
           of
           Magistracie
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           that
           great
           appointment
           of
           God.
           Amongst
           other
           things
           ,
           it
           is
           peculiarly
           subservient
           to
           this
           holy
           Providence
           ,
           in
           obstructing
           the
           bringing
           forth
           of
           
             conceived
             sin
          
           ;
           namely
           by
           the
           terrour
           of
           him
           that
           bears
           the
           sword
           .
           God
           fixes
           that
           on
           the
           hearts
           of
           evil
           men
           which
           he
           expresseth
           ,
           Rom.
           13.
           4.
           
           
             If
             thou
             do
             that
             which
             is
             evil
             ,
             be
             afraid
             ,
             for
             the
             power
             beareth
             not
             the
             sword
             in
             vain
             ,
             for
             he
             is
             the
             minister
             of
             God
             ,
             a
             revenger
             to
             execute
             wrath
             on
             them
             that
             do
             evil
             .
          
           God
           fixes
           this
           on
           the
           hearts
           of
           men
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           dread
           and
           terrour
           of
           it
           
             closeth
             the
             womb
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           that
           it
           shall
           not
           bring
           forth
           .
           When
           there
           was
           
             no
             King
             in
             Israel
          
           ,
           none
           to
           put
           to
           rebuke
           ,
           and
           none
           of
           whom
           evil
           men
           were
           afraid
           ,
           there
           was
           woful
           work
           and
           havock
           amongst
           the
           children
           of
           men
           made
           in
           the
           world
           ;
           as
           we
           may
           see
           in
           the
           last
           Chapters
           of
           the
           book
           of
           Judges
           .
           The
           greatest
           mercies
           and
           blessings
           that
           in
           this
           world
           we
           are
           made
           partakers
           of
           ,
           next
           to
           them
           of
           the
           Gospel
           and
           Covenant
           of
           Grace
           ,
           come
           to
           us
           through
           this
           channel
           and
           conduit
           .
           And
           indeed
           ,
           this
           whereof
           we
           have
           been
           speaking
           ,
           is
           the
           proper
           work
           of
           Magistracy
           ,
           namely
           to
           be
           subservient
           to
           the
           providence
           of
           God
           in
           obstructing
           the
           bringing
           forth
           of
           conceived
           sin
           .
        
         
           These
           then
           are
           some
           of
           the
           waies
           whereby
           God
           providentially
           prevents
           the
           
             bringing
             forth
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           by
           opposing
           obstacles
           to
           the
           power
           of
           the
           sinner
           .
           And
           by
           them
           sin
           is
           not
           consumed
           ,
           but
           shut
           up
           in
           the
           womb
           .
           Men
           are
           not
           burthened
           for
           it
           ,
           but
           with
           it
           ;
           
           not
           laden
           in
           their
           hearts
           and
           consciences
           with
           its
           guilt
           ,
           but
           perplexed
           with
           it
           power
           ,
           which
           they
           are
           not
           able
           to
           exert
           and
           satisfie
           .
        
         
           The
           way
           that
           yet
           remains
           for
           consideration
           whereby
           God
           obviates
           the
           production
           of
           
             conceived
             sin
          
           ,
           is
           his
           working
           on
           the
           Will
           of
           the
           sinners
           ,
           so
           making
           sin
           to
           consume
           away
           in
           the
           womb
           .
        
         
           There
           are
           two
           waies
           in
           general
           whereby
           God
           thus
           prevents
           the
           bringing
           forth
           of
           conceived
           sin
           ,
           by
           working
           
             on
             the
             will
             of
             the
             sinner
          
           ;
           and
           they
           are
           ,
           first
           ,
           by
           
             Restraining
             Grace
          
           :
           secondly
           ,
           by
           
             Renewing
             Grace
          
           .
           He
           doth
           it
           sometimes
           the
           one
           way
           ,
           sometimes
           the
           other
           .
           The
           first
           of
           these
           is
           common
           to
           regenerate
           and
           unregenerate
           persons
           ,
           the
           latter
           peculiar
           to
           believers
           ;
           and
           God
           doth
           it
           variously
           as
           to
           particulars
           by
           them
           both
           .
           We
           shall
           begin
           with
           the
           first
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           God
           doth
           this
           in
           the
           way
           of
           restraining
           grace
           by
           some
           
             arrow
             of
             particular
             conviction
          
           ,
           fixed
           in
           the
           heart
           and
           conscience
           of
           the
           sinner
           ,
           in
           reference
           unto
           the
           particular
           sin
           which
           he
           had
           conceived
           .
           This
           staggers
           and
           changes
           the
           mind
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           particular
           intended
           ,
           causeth
           the
           hands
           to
           hang
           down
           ,
           and
           the
           weapons
           of
           lust
           to
           fall
           out
           of
           them
           .
           Hereby
           
             conceived
             sin
          
           proves
           abortive
           .
           How
           God
           doth
           this
           work
           ,
           by
           what
           immediate
           touches
           ,
           strokes
           ,
           blows
           ,
           rebukes
           of
           his
           Spirit
           ;
           by
           what
           reasonings
           ,
           arguments
           ,
           and
           commotions
           of
           mens
           own
           consciences
           ,
           is
           not
           for
           us
           throughly
           to
           find
           out
           .
           It
           is
           done
           ,
           as
           was
           said
           ,
           in
           unspeakable
           variety
           ,
           and
           the
           works
           of
           God
           are
           past
           finding
           out
           .
           But
           as
           to
           what
           light
           may
           be
           given
           unto
           it
           from
           Scripture
           instances
           ,
           after
           we
           have
           manifested
           the
           
           general
           way
           of
           Gods
           procedure
           ,
           it
           shall
           be
           insisted
           on
           .
        
         
           Thus
           then
           God
           dealt
           in
           the
           case
           of
           Esau
           and
           
             Jacob.
             Esau
          
           had
           long
           conceived
           his
           brothers
           death
           ,
           he
           comforted
           himself
           with
           the
           thoughts
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           resolutions
           about
           it
           ,
           Gen.
           27.
           41.
           
           As
           is
           the
           manner
           of
           profligate
           sinners
           .
           Upon
           his
           first
           opportunity
           he
           comes
           forth
           to
           execute
           his
           intended
           rage
           ,
           and
           Jacob
           concludes
           that
           he
           would
           
             smite
             the
             mother
             with
             the
             children
             ,
          
           Gen.
           32.
           11.
           
           An
           opportunity
           is
           presented
           unto
           this
           wicked
           and
           profane
           person
           ,
           to
           
             bring
             forth
             that
             sin
          
           that
           had
           laid
           in
           his
           heart
           now
           
             twenty
             years
          
           ;
           he
           hath
           full
           power
           in
           his
           hand
           to
           perform
           his
           purpose
           .
           In
           the
           midst
           of
           this
           posture
           of
           things
           ,
           God
           comes
           in
           upon
           his
           heart
           with
           some
           secret
           and
           effectual
           working
           of
           his
           Spirit
           and
           power
           ,
           changeth
           him
           from
           his
           purpose
           ,
           causeth
           his
           conceived
           sin
           to
           melt
           away
           ,
           that
           he
           falls
           upon
           the
           neck
           of
           him
           with
           embraces
           ,
           whom
           he
           thought
           to
           have
           slain
           .
        
         
           Of
           the
           same
           nature
           ,
           though
           the
           way
           of
           it
           was
           peculiar
           ,
           was
           his
           dealing
           with
           Laban
           the
           Syrian
           ,
           in
           reference
           to
           the
           same
           
             Jacob
             ,
             Gen.
          
           31.
           24.
           
           By
           a
           dream
           ,
           a
           vision
           in
           the
           night
           ,
           God
           hinders
           him
           from
           so
           much
           as
           speaking
           roughly
           to
           him
           .
           It
           was
           with
           him
           as
           in
           Micah
           2.
           1.
           he
           had
           devised
           evil
           on
           his
           bed
           ,
           and
           when
           he
           thought
           to
           have
           practised
           it
           in
           the
           morning
           ,
           God
           interposed
           in
           a
           dream
           ,
           and
           hides
           sin
           from
           him
           ,
           as
           he
           speaks
           ,
           
           Job
           ●●
           ,
           15
           ,
           16
           ,
           17.
           
           To
           the
           same
           purpose
           is
           that
           of
           the
           Psalmist
           concerning
           the
           people
           of
           God
           ,
           Psal.
           106.
           46.
           
           
             He
             made
             them
             to
             be
             pitied
             of
             all
             those
             who
             carried
             them
             captives
             .
          
           Men
           usually
           deal
           in
           rigour
           with
           
           those
           whom
           they
           have
           taken
           captive
           in
           war.
           It
           was
           the
           way
           of
           old
           to
           rule
           captives
           with
           force
           and
           cruelty
           .
           Here
           God
           turns
           and
           changes
           their
           hearts
           ,
           not
           in
           general
           unto
           himself
           ,
           but
           to
           this
           particular
           of
           respect
           to
           his
           people
           .
           And
           this
           way
           in
           general
           doth
           God
           every
           day
           prevent
           the
           bringing
           forth
           of
           a
           world
           of
           sin
           .
           He
           
             sharpens
             arrows
          
           of
           conviction
           upon
           the
           spirits
           of
           men
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           particular
           that
           they
           are
           engaged
           in
           .
           Their
           hearts
           are
           not
           changed
           as
           to
           sin
           ,
           but
           their
           minds
           are
           altered
           as
           to
           this
           or
           that
           sin
           .
           They
           break
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           the
           vessel
           they
           had
           fashioned
           ,
           and
           go
           to
           work
           upon
           some
           other
           .
           Now
           that
           we
           may
           a
           little
           see
           into
           the
           waies
           whereby
           God
           doth
           accomplish
           this
           work
           ,
           we
           must
           premise
           the
           ensuing
           considerations
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           the
           general
           medium
           wherein
           the
           matter
           of
           
             restraining
             grace
          
           doth
           consist
           ,
           whereby
           God
           thus
           prevents
           the
           bringing
           forth
           of
           sin
           ,
           doth
           lie
           in
           certain
           Arguments
           and
           Reasonings
           ,
           presented
           to
           the
           mind
           of
           the
           sinner
           ,
           whereby
           he
           is
           induced
           to
           desert
           his
           purpose
           ,
           to
           change
           and
           alter
           his
           mind
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           sin
           he
           had
           conceived
           .
           Reasons
           against
           it
           are
           presented
           unto
           him
           ,
           which
           prevail
           upon
           him
           to
           relinquish
           his
           design
           ,
           and
           give
           over
           his
           purpose
           .
           This
           is
           the
           general
           way
           of
           the
           working
           of
           restraining
           grace
           ,
           it
           is
           by
           arguments
           and
           reasonings
           rising
           up
           against
           the
           perpetration
           of
           conceived
           sin
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           That
           no
           Arguments
           or
           Reasonings
           ,
           as
           such
           ,
           materially
           considered
           ,
           are
           sufficient
           to
           stop
           or
           hinder
           any
           purpose
           of
           sinning
           ,
           or
           to
           cause
           conceived
           sin
           to
           prove
           abortive
           ,
           if
           the
           sinner
           have
           power
           and
           opportunity
           to
           bring
           it
           forth
           .
           They
           
           are
           not
           in
           themselves
           ,
           and
           on
           their
           own
           account
           
             restraining
             grace
          
           ;
           for
           if
           they
           were
           ,
           the
           Administration
           and
           Communication
           of
           grace
           ,
           as
           grace
           ,
           were
           left
           unto
           every
           man
           who
           is
           able
           to
           give
           advice
           against
           sin
           .
           Nothing
           is
           nor
           can
           be
           called
           grace
           ,
           though
           common
           ,
           and
           such
           as
           may
           perish
           ,
           but
           with
           respect
           unto
           its
           peculiar
           relation
           to
           God.
           God
           by
           the
           power
           of
           his
           Spirit
           making
           arguments
           and
           reasons
           effectual
           and
           prevailing
           ,
           turns
           that
           to
           be
           grace
           ,
           I
           mean
           of
           this
           kind
           ,
           which
           in
           it self
           ,
           and
           in
           its
           own
           nature
           was
           bare
           reason
           .
           And
           that
           efficacy
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           which
           the
           Lord
           puts
           forth
           in
           these
           perswasions
           and
           motives
           is
           that
           which
           we
           call
           
             restraining
             grace
          
           .
           These
           things
           being
           premised
           ,
           we
           shall
           now
           consider
           some
           of
           the
           Arguments
           which
           we
           find
           that
           he
           hath
           made
           use
           of
           to
           this
           end
           and
           purpose
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           God
           stops
           many
           men
           in
           their
           waies
           upon
           the
           conception
           of
           sin
           ,
           by
           an
           argument
           taken
           from
           the
           difficulty
           ,
           if
           not
           impossibility
           of
           doing
           that
           they
           aim
           at
           .
           They
           have
           a
           mind
           unto
           it
           ,
           but
           God
           sets
           an
           hedge
           and
           a
           wall
           before
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           shall
           judge
           it
           to
           be
           so
           hard
           and
           difficult
           to
           accomplish
           what
           they
           intend
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           better
           for
           them
           to
           let
           it
           alone
           and
           give
           over
           .
           Thus
           Herod
           would
           have
           put
           
             John
             Baptist
          
           to
           death
           upon
           the
           first
           provocation
           ,
           but
           he
           
             feared
             the
             multitude
          
           ,
           because
           they
           accounted
           him
           as
           a
           
             Prophet
             ,
             Matth.
          
           14.
           5.
           
           He
           had
           conceived
           his
           murder
           ,
           and
           was
           free
           for
           the
           execution
           of
           it
           .
           God
           raised
           this
           consideration
           in
           his
           heart
           ,
           If
           I
           kill
           him
           ,
           the
           people
           will
           tumultuate
           ,
           he
           hath
           a
           great
           party
           amongst
           them
           ,
           and
           sedition
           will
           arise
           that
           may
           cost
           me
           my
           life
           ,
           or
           Kingdom
           .
           
           He
           
             feared
             the
             multitude
          
           ,
           and
           durst
           not
           execute
           the
           wickedness
           he
           had
           conceived
           ,
           because
           of
           the
           difficulty
           he
           fore-saw
           he
           should
           be
           entangled
           withal
           .
           And
           God
           made
           the
           argument
           effectual
           for
           the
           season
           ;
           for
           otherwise
           we
           know
           that
           men
           will
           venture
           the
           utmost
           hazards
           for
           the
           satisfaction
           of
           their
           lusts
           ;
           as
           he
           also
           did
           afterwards
           .
           The
           Pharisees
           were
           in
           the
           very
           same
           state
           and
           condition
           ,
           Matth.
           21.
           26.
           they
           would
           fain
           have
           decried
           the
           Ministry
           of
           John
           ,
           but
           durst
           not
           for
           fear
           of
           the
           people
           :
           and
           ver
           .
           46.
           of
           the
           same
           Chapter
           ,
           by
           the
           same
           argument
           were
           they
           deterred
           from
           
             killing
             our
             Saviour
          
           ,
           who
           had
           highly
           provoked
           them
           by
           a
           Parable
           ,
           setting
           out
           their
           deserved
           and
           approaching
           destruction
           .
           They
           durst
           not
           do
           it
           for
           
             fear
             of
             a
             tumult
          
           among
           the
           people
           ,
           seeing
           they
           looked
           on
           him
           as
           a
           Prophet
           .
           Thus
           God
           over-awes
           the
           hearts
           of
           innumerable
           persons
           in
           the
           world
           everyday
           ,
           and
           causeth
           them
           to
           desist
           from
           attempting
           to
           bring
           forth
           the
           sins
           which
           they
           had
           conceived
           .
           Difficulties
           they
           shall
           be
           sure
           to
           meet
           withal
           ,
           yea
           ,
           it
           is
           likely
           ,
           if
           they
           should
           attempt
           it
           ,
           it
           would
           prove
           impossible
           for
           them
           to
           accomplish
           .
           We
           owe
           much
           of
           our
           quiet
           in
           this
           world
           ,
           unto
           the
           efficacy
           given
           to
           this
           consideration
           in
           the
           hearts
           of
           men
           by
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           :
           Adulteries
           ,
           rapins
           ,
           murders
           ,
           are
           obviated
           and
           stifled
           by
           it
           .
           Men
           would
           engage
           into
           them
           daily
           ,
           but
           that
           they
           judge
           it
           impossible
           for
           them
           to
           fulfill
           what
           they
           aim
           at
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           God
           doth
           it
           by
           an
           Argument
           taken
           
             ab
             incommodo
          
           ,
           from
           the
           inconveniencies
           ,
           evils
           ,
           and
           troubles
           that
           will
           befall
           men
           in
           the
           pursuit
           of
           sin
           .
           If
           they
           follow
           it
           ,
           this
           or
           that
           inconvenience
           will
           
           ensue
           ;
           this
           trouble
           ,
           this
           evil
           ,
           temporal
           or
           eternal
           .
           And
           this
           Argument
           ,
           as
           managed
           by
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           the
           great
           engine
           in
           his
           hand
           whereby
           he
           casts
           up
           banks
           ,
           and
           gives
           bounds
           to
           the
           lusts
           of
           men
           ,
           that
           they
           break
           not
           out
           to
           the
           confusion
           of
           all
           that
           order
           and
           beauty
           which
           yet
           remains
           in
           the
           works
           of
           his
           hands
           .
           Paul
           gives
           us
           the
           general
           import
           of
           this
           argument
           ,
           Rom.
           2.
           14
           ,
           15.
           
           
             For
             when
             the
             Gentiles
             which
             have
             not
             the
             Law
             ,
             do
             by
             nature
             the
             things
             contained
             in
             the
             Law
             ,
             these
             having
             not
             the
             Law
             ,
             are
             a
             Law
             unto
             themselves
             ,
             which
             shew
             the
             work
             of
             the
             Law
             written
             in
             their
             hearts
             ,
             their
             conscience
             also
             bearing
             witness
             ,
             and
             their
             thoughts
             the
             mean
             while
             accusing
             ,
             or
             else
             excusing
             one
             another
             .
          
           If
           any
           men
           in
           the
           world
           may
           be
           thought
           to
           be
           given
           up
           to
           pursue
           and
           fulfill
           all
           the
           sins
           that
           their
           lusts
           can
           conceive
           ,
           it
           is
           those
           that
           
             have
             not
             the
             Law
          
           ,
           to
           whom
           the
           written
           Law
           of
           God
           doth
           not
           denounce
           the
           evil
           that
           attends
           it
           .
           But
           though
           they
           have
           it
           not
           ,
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           they
           
             shew
             forth
             the
             work
             of
             it
             ,
          
           they
           do
           many
           things
           which
           it
           requireth
           ,
           and
           forbear
           or
           abstain
           from
           many
           things
           that
           it
           forbiddeth
           ,
           and
           so
           shew
           forth
           its
           work
           and
           efficacy
           .
           But
           whence
           is
           it
           that
           they
           so
           do
           ?
           Why
           their
           
             thoughts
             accuse
             or
             excuse
             them
          
           .
           It
           is
           from
           the
           consideration
           and
           arguings
           that
           they
           have
           within
           themselves
           about
           sin
           ,
           and
           its
           consequents
           ,
           which
           prevail
           upon
           them
           to
           abstain
           from
           many
           things
           that
           their
           hearts
           would
           carry
           them
           out
           unto
           .
           For
           Conscience
           is
           a
           mans
           prejudging
           of
           himself
           ,
           with
           respect
           unto
           the
           future
           judgement
           of
           God.
           Thus
           〈◊〉
           was
           staggered
           in
           his
           pursuit
           of
           sin
           ,
           when
           he
           〈◊〉
           at
           Pauls
           preaching
           of
           righteousness
           and
           
           judgement
           to
           come
           ,
           Act.
           24.
           25.
           
           So
           Job
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           the
           consideration
           of
           
             punishment
             from
             God
          
           ,
           hath
           a
           strong
           influence
           on
           the
           minds
           of
           men
           to
           keep
           them
           from
           sin
           ,
           chap.
           31.
           1
           ,
           2
           ,
           3.
           
           How
           the
           Lord
           makes
           use
           of
           that
           consideration
           ,
           even
           towards
           his
           own
           ,
           when
           they
           have
           broken
           the
           cords
           of
           his
           love
           ,
           and
           cast
           off
           the
           rule
           of
           his
           grace
           for
           a
           season
           ,
           I
           have
           before
           declared
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           God
           doth
           this
           same
           work
           ,
           by
           making
           effectual
           an
           
             Argument
             ,
             ab
             inutili
          
           ,
           from
           the
           unprofitableness
           of
           the
           thing
           that
           men
           are
           engaged
           in
           .
           By
           this
           were
           the
           Brethren
           of
           Joseph
           stayed
           from
           slaying
           him
           ,
           Gen.
           37.
           26
           ,
           27.
           
           
             What
             profit
             is
             it
          
           ,
           say
           they
           ,
           
             if
             we
             slay
             our
             Brother
             and
             conceal
             his
             blood
             ?
          
           We
           shall
           get
           nothing
           by
           it
           ,
           it
           will
           bring
           in
           no
           advantage
           or
           satisfaction
           unto
           us
           .
           And
           the
           heads
           of
           this
           way
           of
           Gods
           obstructing
           conceived
           sin
           ,
           or
           the
           springs
           of
           these
           kinds
           of
           Arguments
           ,
           are
           so
           many
           and
           various
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           impossible
           to
           insist
           particularly
           upon
           them
           .
           There
           is
           nothing
           present
           ,
           or
           to
           come
           ,
           nothing
           belonging
           to
           this
           life
           ,
           or
           another
           ,
           nothing
           desirable
           or
           undesirable
           ,
           nothing
           good
           or
           evil
           ,
           but
           at
           one
           time
           or
           another
           ,
           an
           Argument
           may
           be
           taken
           from
           it
           for
           the
           obstructing
           of
           sin
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           God
           accomplisheth
           this
           work
           by
           Arguments
           taken
           
             ab
             honesto
          
           ,
           from
           what
           is
           good
           and
           honest
           ,
           what
           is
           comely
           ,
           praise-worthy
           ,
           and
           acceptable
           unto
           himself
           .
           This
           is
           the
           great
           road
           wherein
           he
           walks
           with
           the
           Saints
           under
           their
           temptations
           ,
           or
           in
           their
           conceptions
           of
           sin
           .
           He
           recovers
           effectually
           upon
           their
           minds
           a
           consideration
           of
           all
           those
           springs
           and
           motives
           to
           obedience
           ,
           which
           are
           discovered
           and
           proposed
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           
           some
           at
           one
           time
           ,
           some
           at
           another
           .
           He
           minds
           them
           of
           his
           own
           love
           ,
           mercy
           ,
           and
           kindness
           ;
           his
           
             eternal
             Love
          
           ,
           with
           the
           fruits
           of
           it
           ,
           whereof
           themselves
           have
           been
           made
           partakers
           .
           He
           minds
           them
           of
           the
           
             blood
             of
             his
             Son
          
           ,
           his
           Cross
           ,
           sufferings
           ,
           tremendous
           undertaking
           in
           the
           work
           of
           mediation
           ,
           and
           the
           concernment
           of
           his
           Heart
           ,
           Love
           ,
           Honour
           ,
           Name
           ,
           in
           their
           obedience
           .
           Minds
           them
           of
           the
           
             Love
             of
             the
             Spirit
          
           ,
           with
           all
           his
           Consolations
           which
           they
           have
           been
           made
           partakers
           of
           ,
           and
           priviledges
           wherewith
           by
           him
           they
           have
           been
           entrusted
           .
           Minds
           them
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           the
           glory
           and
           beauty
           of
           it
           as
           revealed
           unto
           their
           souls
           .
           Minds
           them
           of
           the
           excellency
           and
           comeliness
           of
           Obedience
           ,
           of
           their
           performance
           of
           that
           duty
           they
           owe
           to
           God
           ,
           that
           peace
           ,
           quietness
           ,
           and
           serenity
           of
           mind
           that
           they
           have
           enjoyed
           therein
           .
           On
           the
           other
           side
           ,
           he
           minds
           them
           of
           being
           a
           
             provocation
             by
             sin
          
           unto
           the
           eyes
           of
           his
           glory
           ,
           saying
           in
           their
           hearts
           ,
           
             Do
             not
             that
             abominable
             thing
             which
             my
             soul
             hateth
             .
          
           Minds
           them
           of
           their
           wounding
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           ,
           and
           putting
           him
           to
           shame
           ;
           of
           their
           grieving
           the
           holy
           Spirit
           ,
           whereby
           they
           are
           sealed
           to
           the
           day
           of
           redemption
           ;
           of
           their
           defiling
           his
           dwelling
           place
           .
           Minds
           them
           of
           the
           reproach
           ,
           dishonours
           ,
           scandal
           which
           they
           bring
           on
           the
           Gospel
           and
           the
           profession
           thereof
           .
           Minds
           them
           of
           the
           terrours
           ,
           darkness
           ,
           wounds
           ,
           want
           of
           peace
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           bring
           upon
           their
           own
           souls
           .
           From
           these
           and
           the
           like
           considerations
           doth
           God
           put
           a
           stop
           to
           the
           progress
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           in
           the
           heart
           ,
           that
           it
           shall
           not
           go
           on
           to
           
             bring
             forth
          
           the
           evil
           which
           it
           hath
           conceived
           .
           I
           could
           give
           instances
           in
           Arguments
           of
           all
           these
           several
           
           kinds
           recorded
           in
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           but
           it
           would
           be
           too
           long
           a
           work
           for
           us
           ,
           who
           are
           now
           engaged
           in
           a
           design
           of
           another
           nature
           .
           But
           one
           or
           two
           examples
           may
           be
           mentioned
           .
           Joseph
           resists
           his
           first
           temptation
           on
           one
           of
           these
           accounts
           ,
           Gen.
           39.
           9.
           
           
             How
             can
             I
             do
             this
             great
             wickedness
             and
             sin
             against
             God
             ?
          
           The
           evil
           of
           
             sinning
             against
             God
          
           ,
           his
           God
           ,
           that
           consideration
           alone
           detains
           him
           from
           the
           least
           inclination
           to
           his
           temptation
           .
           It
           is
           
             sin
             against
             God
          
           to
           whom
           I
           owe
           all
           obedience
           ,
           the
           God
           of
           my
           life
           ,
           and
           of
           all
           my
           mercies
           ,
           I
           will
           not
           do
           it
           .
           The
           Argument
           wherewith
           Abigail
           prevailed
           on
           David
           ,
           1
           Sam.
           25.
           31.
           to
           with-hold
           him
           from
           self-revenge
           and
           murder
           ,
           was
           of
           the
           same
           nature
           ,
           and
           he
           acknowledgeth
           that
           it
           was
           from
           the
           Lord
           ,
           ver
           .
           32.
           
           I
           shall
           add
           no
           more
           ,
           for
           all
           the
           Scripture
           motives
           which
           we
           have
           to
           duty
           ,
           made
           effectual
           by
           grace
           ,
           are
           instances
           of
           this
           way
           of
           Gods
           procedure
           .
        
         
           Sometimes
           ,
           I
           confess
           ,
           God
           secretly
           works
           the
           hearts
           of
           men
           by
           his
           own
           finger
           ,
           without
           the
           use
           and
           means
           of
           such
           Arguments
           as
           those
           insisted
           on
           ,
           to
           stop
           the
           progress
           of
           sin
           .
           So
           he
           tells
           
             Abimelech
             ,
             Gen.
          
           20.
           6.
           
           
             I
             have
             with-held
             thee
             from
             sinning
             against
             me
             .
          
           Now
           this
           could
           not
           be
           done
           by
           any
           of
           the
           Arguments
           which
           we
           have
           insisted
           on
           ,
           because
           Abimelech
           knew
           not
           that
           the
           thing
           which
           he
           intended
           was
           sin
           ;
           and
           therefore
           he
           pleads
           that
           in
           the
           
             integrity
             of
             his
             heart
             and
             innocency
             of
             his
             hands
          
           he
           did
           it
           ,
           ver
           .
           5.
           
           God
           turned
           about
           his
           will
           and
           thoughts
           ,
           that
           he
           should
           not
           accomplish
           his
           intention
           ;
           but
           by
           what
           waies
           or
           means
           is
           not
           revealed
           .
           Nor
           is
           it
           evident
           what
           course
           he
           took
           in
           the
           change
           of
           Esaus
           heart
           ,
           when
           he
           came
           out
           against
           
           his
           Brother
           to
           destroy
           him
           ,
           Gen.
           33.
           4.
           whether
           he
           stirr'd
           up
           in
           him
           a
           fresh
           spring
           of
           natural
           affections
           ,
           or
           caused
           him
           to
           consider
           what
           grief
           by
           this
           means
           he
           should
           bring
           to
           his
           aged
           Father
           ,
           who
           loved
           him
           so
           tenderly
           ;
           or
           whether
           being
           now
           grown
           great
           and
           wealthy
           ,
           he
           more
           and
           more
           despised
           the
           matter
           of
           difference
           between
           him
           and
           his
           Brother
           ,
           and
           so
           utterly
           slighted
           it
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           known
           .
           It
           may
           be
           God
           did
           it
           by
           an
           immediate
           powerful
           act
           of
           his
           Spirit
           upon
           his
           heart
           ,
           without
           the
           actual
           intervening
           of
           any
           of
           these
           or
           the
           like
           considerations
           .
           Now
           though
           the
           things
           mentioned
           are
           in
           themselves
           at
           other
           times
           feeble
           and
           weak
           ,
           yet
           when
           they
           are
           managed
           by
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           to
           such
           an
           end
           and
           purpose
           ,
           they
           certainly
           become
           effectual
           ,
           and
           are
           the
           matter
           of
           his
           
             preventing
             grace
          
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           God
           prevents
           the
           bringing
           forth
           of
           conceived
           sin
           by
           
             real
             spiritual
             saving
             grace
          
           ,
           &
           that
           either
           in
           the
           first
           conversion
           of
           sinners
           ,
           or
           in
           the
           following
           supplies
           of
           it
           .
           This
           is
           one
           part
           of
           the
           mysterie
           of
           his
           grace
           and
           love
           .
           He
           meets
           men
           sometimes
           in
           their
           highest
           resolutions
           for
           sin
           ,
           with
           the
           highest
           efficacy
           of
           his
           grace
           .
           Hereby
           he
           manifests
           the
           power
           of
           his
           own
           grace
           ,
           and
           gives
           the
           soul
           a
           farther
           experience
           of
           the
           
             Law
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           when
           it
           takes
           such
           a
           fare-well
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           to
           be
           changed
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           its
           resolutions
           to
           serve
           the
           lusts
           thereof
           .
           By
           this
           he
           melts
           down
           the
           lusts
           of
           men
           ,
           causeth
           them
           to
           wither
           at
           the
           root
           ,
           that
           they
           shall
           no
           more
           strive
           to
           bring
           forth
           what
           they
           have
           conceived
           ,
           but
           be
           filled
           with
           shame
           and
           sorrow
           at
           their
           conception
           .
           An
           example
           and
           instance
           of
           t●is
           
           proceeding
           of
           God
           ,
           for
           the
           use
           and
           instruction
           of
           all
           generations
           we
           have
           in
           Paul.
           His
           heart
           was
           full
           of
           wickedness
           ,
           blasphemy
           ,
           and
           persecution
           ;
           his
           conception
           of
           them
           was
           come
           unto
           rage
           and
           madness
           ,
           and
           a
           full
           purpose
           of
           exercising
           them
           all
           to
           the
           utmost
           ;
           so
           the
           story
           relates
           it
           ,
           Acts
           9.
           so
           himself
           declares
           the
           state
           to
           have
           been
           with
           him
           ,
           Acts
           26.
           9
           ,
           10
           ,
           11
           ,
           12.
           1
           
           Tim.
           1.
           13.
           
           In
           the
           midst
           of
           all
           this
           violent
           pursuit
           of
           sin
           ,
           a
           
             voice
             from
             heaven
          
           shuts
           up
           the
           womb
           ,
           and
           dries
           the
           breasts
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           he
           cries
           ,
           
             Lord
             ,
             what
             wilt
             thou
             have
             me
             to
             do
             ?
          
           Acts
           9.
           6.
           
           The
           same
           person
           seems
           to
           intimate
           ,
           that
           this
           is
           the
           way
           of
           Gods
           procedure
           with
           others
           ,
           even
           to
           meet
           them
           with
           his
           
             converting
             grace
          
           in
           the
           height
           of
           their
           sin
           and
           folly
           ,
           1
           Tim.
           1.
           16.
           
           For
           
             he
             himself
          
           ,
           he
           saies
           ,
           was
           a
           pattern
           of
           Gods
           dealing
           with
           others
           ;
           as
           he
           dealt
           with
           him
           ,
           so
           also
           would
           he
           do
           with
           some
           such
           like
           sinners
           .
           
             For
             this
             cause
             I
             obtained
             mercy
             ,
             that
             in
             me
             first
             Jesus
             Christ
             might
             shew
             forth
             all
             long-suffering
             ,
             as
             a
             pattern
             to
             them
             which
             should
             here
             after
             believe
             on
             him
             to
             life
             everlasting
             .
          
           And
           we
           have
           not
           a
           few
           examples
           of
           it
           in
           our
           own
           daies
           .
           Sundry
           persons
           on
           set
           purpose
           going
           to
           this
           or
           that
           place
           ,
           to
           deride
           and
           scoff
           at
           the
           dispensation
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           have
           been
           met
           withal
           in
           the
           very
           place
           wherein
           they
           designed
           to
           serve
           their
           lusts
           and
           Satan
           ,
           and
           have
           been
           cast
           down
           at
           the
           foot
           of
           God.
           This
           way
           of
           Gods
           dealing
           with
           sinners
           is
           at
           large
           set
           forth
           ,
           Job
           33.
           15
           ,
           16
           ,
           17
           ,
           18.
           
           Dionysius
           the
           Areopagite
           is
           another
           instance
           of
           this
           work
           of
           Gods
           grace
           and
           love
           .
           Paul
           is
           dragged
           either
           by
           him
           ,
           or
           before
           him
           ,
           to
           plead
           for
           his
           life
           ,
           as
           a
           setter
           forth
           of
           
             strange
             gods
          
           ,
           which
           at
           
           Athens
           was
           death
           by
           the
           Law.
           In
           the
           midst
           o●
           this
           frame
           of
           spirit
           God
           meets
           with
           him
           by
           
             converting
             grace
          
           ,
           sin
           withers
           in
           the
           womb
           ,
           and
           he●
           cleaves
           to
           Paul
           and
           his
           doctrine
           ,
           Acts
           17.
           18
           
           --
           34.
           
           The
           like
           dispensation
           towards
           Israel
           we
           have
           ,
           Hos.
           11.
           7
           ,
           8
           ,
           9
           ,
           10.
           
           But
           there
           is
           no
           need
           to
           insist
           on
           more
           instances
           of
           this
           observation
           .
           God
           is
           pleased
           to
           leave
           no
           Generation
           unconvinced
           of
           this
           truth
           ,
           if
           they
           do
           but
           attend
           to
           their
           own
           experiences
           ,
           and
           the
           examples
           of
           this
           work
           of
           his
           mercy
           amongst
           them
           .
           Every
           day
           ,
           one
           or
           other
           ,
           is
           taken
           in
           the
           fulness
           of
           the
           purpose
           of
           his
           heart
           to
           go
           on
           in
           sin
           ,
           in
           this
           or
           that
           sin
           ,
           and
           is
           stopt
           in
           his
           course
           by
           the
           power
           of
           
             converting
             grace
          
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           God
           doth
           it
           by
           the
           same
           grace
           in
           the
           
             renewed
             communications
          
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           by
           special
           
             assisting
             grace
          
           .
           This
           is
           the
           common
           way
           of
           his
           dealing
           with
           Believers
           in
           this
           case
           .
           That
           they
           also
           through
           the
           deceitfulness
           of
           sin
           ,
           may
           be
           carryed
           on
           to
           the
           conceiving
           of
           this
           or
           that
           sin
           ,
           was
           before
           declared
           .
           God
           puts
           a
           stop
           to
           their
           progress
           ,
           or
           rather
           to
           the
           prevalency
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           that
           by
           giving
           in
           unto
           them
           special
           assistances
           needful
           for
           their
           preservation
           and
           deliverance
           .
           As
           David
           saies
           of
           himself
           ,
           Psa.
           73.
           2.
           
           
             His
             feet
             were
             almost
             gone
             ,
             his
             steps
             had
             well
             nigh
             slipt
          
           ;
           he
           was
           at
           the
           very
           brink
           of
           unbelieving
           ,
           despairing
           thoughts
           ,
           and
           conclusions
           about
           Gods
           providence
           in
           the
           government
           of
           the
           world
           ;
           from
           whence
           he
           was
           recovered
           ,
           as
           he
           afterwards
           declares
           .
           So
           is
           it
           with
           many
           a
           Believer
           ,
           he
           is
           oftentimes
           at
           the
           very
           brink
           ,
           at
           the
           very
           door
           of
           some
           folly
           or
           iniquity
           ,
           when
           God
           puts
           in
           by
           the
           efficacy
           
           of
           
             actually
             assisting
             grace
          
           ,
           and
           recovers
           them
           to
           an
           obediential
           frame
           of
           heart
           again
           .
           And
           this
           is
           a
           peculiar
           work
           of
           Christ
           ,
           wherein
           he
           manifests
           and
           exerts
           his
           faithfulness
           towards
           his
           own
           .
           Heb.
           2.
           18.
           
           
             He
             is
             able
             to
             succour
             them
             that
             are
             tempted
             .
          
           It
           is
           not
           an
           absolute
           power
           ,
           but
           a
           power
           cloathed
           with
           mercy
           ,
           that
           is
           intended
           .
           Such
           a
           power
           as
           is
           put
           forth
           from
           a
           sense
           of
           the
           suffering
           of
           poor
           Believers
           under
           their
           temptations
           .
           And
           how
           doth
           he
           exercise
           this
           
             merciful
             ability
          
           towards
           us
           ?
           chap.
           4.
           16.
           
           He
           gives
           forth
           ,
           and
           we
           find
           in
           him
           
             Grace
             to
             help
             in
             a
             time
             of
             need
          
           ;
           seasonable
           help
           and
           assistance
           for
           our
           deliverance
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           ready
           to
           be
           over-powered
           by
           sin
           and
           temptation
           .
           When
           
             lust
             hath
             conceived
          
           ,
           and
           is
           ready
           to
           
             bring
             forth
          
           ,
           when
           the
           soul
           lies
           at
           the
           brink
           of
           some
           iniquity
           ,
           he
           gives
           in
           
             seasonable
             help
          
           ,
           relief
           ,
           deliverance
           ,
           and
           safety
           .
           Here
           lies
           a
           great
           part
           of
           the
           care
           and
           faithfulness
           of
           Christ
           towards
           his
           poor
           Saints
           :
           he
           will
           not
           suffer
           them
           to
           be
           worried
           with
           the
           power
           of
           sin
           ,
           nor
           to
           be
           carried
           out
           unto
           waies
           that
           shall
           dishonour
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           or
           fill
           them
           with
           shame
           and
           reproach
           ,
           and
           so
           render
           them
           useless
           in
           the
           world
           ;
           but
           he
           steps
           in
           with
           the
           saving
           relief
           and
           assistance
           of
           his
           grace
           ,
           stops
           the
           course
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           makes
           them
           
             in
             himself
             more
             than
             conquerors
          
           .
           And
           this
           assistance
           lies
           under
           the
           Promise
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           10.
           13.
           
           
             There
             hath
             no
             temptation
             taken
             you
             but
             such
             as
             is
             common
             to
             man
             ,
             but
             God
             is
             faithful
             who
             will
             not
             suffer
             you
             to
             be
             tempted
             above
             that
             you
             are
             able
             ,
             but
             will
             with
             the
             temptation
             also
             make
             a
             way
             to
             escape
             ,
             that
             you
             may
             be
             able
             to
             bear
             it
             .
          
           Temptation
           shall
           try
           us
           ,
           it
           is
           for
           our
           good
           ;
           many
           holy
           ends
           doth
           the
           Lord
           
           compass
           and
           bring
           about
           by
           it
           .
           But
           when
           we
           are
           tried
           to
           the
           utmost
           of
           our
           ability
           ,
           so
           that
           one
           assault
           more
           would
           over-bear
           us
           ,
           a
           
             way
             of
             escape
          
           is
           provided
           .
           And
           as
           this
           may
           be
           done
           several
           waies
           ,
           as
           I
           have
           else-where
           declared
           ,
           so
           this
           we
           are
           now
           upon
           is
           one
           of
           the
           most
           eminent
           ,
           namely
           by
           
             supplies
             of
             grace
          
           ,
           to
           enable
           the
           soul
           to
           bear
           up
           ,
           resist
           ,
           and
           conquer
           .
           And
           when
           once
           God
           begins
           to
           deal
           in
           this
           way
           of
           love
           with
           a
           soul
           ,
           he
           will
           not
           cease
           to
           add
           one
           supply
           after
           another
           ,
           until
           the
           whole
           work
           of
           his
           grace
           and
           faithfulness
           be
           accomplished
           .
           An
           example
           hereof
           we
           have
           ,
           Isa.
           57.
           17
           ,
           18.
           poor
           sinners
           there
           are
           so
           far
           captivated
           to
           the
           power
           of
           their
           lusts
           that
           the
           first
           and
           second
           dealings
           of
           God
           with
           them
           are
           not
           effectual
           for
           their
           delivery
           ;
           but
           he
           will
           not
           give
           over
           ,
           he
           is
           in
           the
           pursuit
           of
           a
           design
           of
           love
           towards
           them
           ,
           and
           so
           ceaseth
           not
           until
           they
           are
           recovered
           .
           These
           are
           the
           general
           heads
           of
           the
           second
           way
           whereby
           God
           hinders
           the
           bringing
           forth
           of
           conceived
           sin
           ,
           namely
           by
           working
           on
           the
           Will
           of
           the
           sinner
           .
           He
           doth
           it
           either
           by
           
             common
             convictions
          
           ,
           or
           
             special
             grace
          
           ,
           so
           that
           of
           their
           own
           accord
           they
           shall
           let
           go
           the
           purpose
           and
           will
           of
           sinning
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           risen
           up
           unto
           .
           And
           this
           is
           no
           mean
           way
           of
           his
           providing
           for
           his
           own
           glory
           ,
           and
           the
           honour
           of
           his
           Gospel
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           whose
           Professors
           would
           stain
           the
           whole
           beauty
           of
           it
           ,
           were
           they
           left
           to
           themselves
           to
           bring
           forth
           all
           the
           evil
           that
           is
           conceived
           in
           their
           hearts
           .
        
         
           Besides
           these
           general
           waies
           ,
           there
           is
           one
           yet
           more
           special
           ,
           that
           at
           once
           worketh
           both
           upon
           the
           Power
           and
           Will
           of
           the
           sinner
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           the
           way
           of
           afflictions
           ,
           concerning
           which
           one
           word
           shall
           close
           
           this
           discourse
           .
           Afflictions
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           work
           by
           both
           these
           ways
           ,
           in
           reference
           unto
           
             conceived
             sin
          
           .
           They
           work
           providentially
           on
           the
           power
           of
           the
           creature
           .
           When
           a
           man
           hath
           conceived
           a
           sin
           ,
           and
           is
           in
           full
           purpose
           of
           the
           pursuit
           of
           it
           ,
           God
           oftentimes
           sends
           a
           sickness
           and
           abates
           his
           strength
           ;
           or
           a
           loss
           cuts
           him
           short
           in
           his
           plenty
           ,
           and
           so
           takes
           him
           off
           from
           the
           pursuit
           of
           his
           lusts
           ,
           though
           it
           may
           be
           his
           heart
           is
           not
           weaned
           from
           them
           .
           His
           power
           is
           weakned
           ,
           and
           he
           cannot
           do
           the
           evil
           he
           would
           .
           In
           this
           sense
           it
           belongs
           to
           the
           first
           way
           of
           Gods
           obviating
           the
           production
           of
           sin
           .
           Great
           afflictions
           work
           sometimes
           ,
           not
           from
           their
           own
           nature
           immediately
           and
           directly
           ,
           but
           from
           the
           gracious
           purpose
           and
           intendment
           of
           him
           that
           sends
           them
           .
           He
           insinuates
           into
           the
           dispensation
           of
           them
           that
           of
           grace
           and
           power
           ,
           of
           love
           and
           kindness
           ,
           which
           shall
           effectually
           take
           off
           the
           heart
           and
           mind
           from
           sin
           .
           Psal.
           119.
           67.
           
           
             Before
             I
             was
             afflicted
             I
             went
             astray
             ,
             but
             now
             have
             I
             learned
             thy
             commandments
             .
          
           And
           in
           this
           way
           because
           of
           the
           predominancy
           of
           renewing
           and
           assisting
           grace
           ,
           they
           belong
           unto
           the
           latter
           means
           of
           preventing
           sin
           .
        
         
           And
           these
           are
           some
           of
           the
           ways
           ,
           whereby
           it
           pleaseth
           God
           to
           put
           a
           stop
           to
           the
           
             progress
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           both
           in
           Believers
           and
           Unbelievers
           ,
           which
           at
           present
           we
           shall
           instance
           in
           ;
           and
           if
           we
           would
           endeavour
           farther
           to
           search
           out
           his
           ways
           unto
           perfection
           ,
           yet
           we
           must
           still
           conclude
           that
           it
           is
           but
           a
           
             little
             portion
             which
             we
             know
             of
             him
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           CHAP.
           XIV
           .
        
         
           
             The
             Power
             of
             Sin
             farther
             demonstrated
             by
             the
             Effects
             it
             hath
             had
             in
             the
             Lives
             of
             Professors
             .
             First
             in
             actual
             sins
             .
             Secondly
             in
             habitual
             Declensions
             .
          
        
         
           WE
           are
           now
           to
           proceed
           unto
           other
           Evidences
           of
           that
           sad
           truth
           which
           we
           are
           in
           the
           demonstration
           of
           .
           But
           the
           main
           of
           our
           work
           being
           past
           through
           ,
           I
           shall
           be
           more
           brief
           in
           the
           management
           of
           the
           Arguments
           that
           do
           remain
           .
        
         
           That
           then
           which
           in
           the
           next
           place
           may
           be
           fixed
           upon
           ,
           is
           the
           demonstration
           which
           this
           Law
           of
           sin
           hath
           in
           all
           Ages
           given
           of
           its
           power
           and
           efficacy
           ,
           by
           the
           woful
           fruits
           that
           it
           hath
           brought
           forth
           ,
           even
           in
           Believers
           themselves
           .
           Now
           these
           are
           of
           two
           sorts
           .
           First
           ,
           the
           great
           
             actual
             eruptions
          
           of
           sin
           in
           their
           Lives
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           Their
           
             habitual
             declensions
          
           from
           the
           frames
           ,
           state
           and
           condition
           of
           Obedience
           and
           Communion
           with
           God
           ,
           which
           they
           had
           obtained
           ,
           both
           which
           by
           the
           Rule
           of
           James
           before
           unfolded
           ,
           are
           to
           be
           laid
           to
           the
           account
           of
           this
           Law
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           belong
           unto
           the
           fourth
           head
           of
           its
           progress
           ,
           and
           are
           both
           of
           them
           convincing
           evidences
           of
           its
           power
           and
           efficacy
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           Consider
           the
           fearful
           Eruptions
           of
           actual
           sins
           that
           have
           been
           in
           the
           Lives
           of
           Believers
           ,
           and
           we
           shall
           find
           our
           Position
           evidenced
           .
           Should
           I
           
           go
           through
           at
           large
           with
           this
           Consideration
           ,
           I
           must
           recount
           all
           the
           sad
           and
           scandalous
           failings
           of
           the
           Saints
           that
           are
           left
           on
           record
           in
           the
           holy
           Scripture
           .
           But
           the
           particulars
           of
           them
           are
           known
           to
           all
           ;
           so
           that
           I
           shall
           not
           need
           to
           mention
           them
           ,
           no●
           the
           many
           aggravations
           that
           in
           their
           circumstances
           they
           are
           attended
           with
           :
           Only
           some
           few
           things
           tending
           to
           the
           rendring
           of
           our
           present
           consideration
           of
           them
           useful
           ,
           may
           be
           remarked
           .
           As
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           They
           are
           most
           of
           them
           in
           the
           Lives
           of
           men
           that
           were
           not
           of
           the
           
             lowest
             form
          
           or
           ordinary
           sort
           of
           Believers
           ,
           but
           of
           men
           that
           had
           a
           peculiar
           eminency
           in
           them
           on
           the
           account
           of
           their
           walking
           with
           God
           in
           their
           Generation
           .
           Such
           were
           
             Noah
             ,
             Lot
             ,
             David
             ,
             Hezekiah
             ,
          
           and
           others
           .
           They
           were
           not
           men
           of
           an
           ordinary
           size
           ,
           but
           higher
           than
           their
           Brethren
           by
           the
           shoulders
           and
           upwards
           in
           Profession
           ,
           yea
           in
           real
           Holiness
           .
           And
           surely
           that
           must
           needs
           be
           of
           a
           mighty
           efficacy
           that
           could
           hurry
           such
           Giants
           in
           the
           wayes
           of
           God
           into
           such
           abominable
           sins
           as
           they
           fell
           into
           .
           An
           ordinary
           Engine
           could
           never
           have
           turned
           them
           out
           of
           the
           course
           of
           their
           obedience
           .
           It
           was
           a
           poyson
           that
           no
           Athletick
           constitution
           of
           spiritual
           health
           ,
           no
           Antidote
           could
           withstand
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           And
           these
           very
           men
           ,
           fell
           not
           into
           their
           great
           sins
           at
           the
           
             beginning
             of
             their
             profession
          
           ,
           when
           they
           had
           had
           but
           little
           experience
           of
           the
           goodness
           of
           God
           ,
           of
           the
           sweetness
           and
           pleasantness
           of
           Obedience
           ,
           of
           the
           power
           and
           craft
           of
           sin
           ,
           of
           its
           impulsions
           ,
           solicitations
           and
           surprizals
           ,
           but
           after
           a
           long
           course
           of
           walking
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           acquaintance
           with
           all
           these
           things
           ;
           together
           with
           
           innumerable
           motives
           unto
           
             watchfulness
             .
             Noah
          
           according
           to
           the
           lives
           of
           men
           in
           those
           dayes
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           had
           walked
           uprightly
           with
           God
           some
           
             hundreds
             of
             years
          
           before
           he
           was
           so
           surprised
           as
           he
           was
           ,
           Gen.
           9.
           
           Righteous
           Lot
           seems
           to
           have
           been
           towards
           the
           end
           of
           his
           days
           ,
           ere
           he
           defiled
           himself
           with
           the
           abominations
           recorded
           .
           David
           in
           a
           short
           Life
           ,
           had
           as
           much
           experience
           of
           Grace
           and
           Sin
           ,
           and
           as
           much
           close
           spiritual
           Communion
           with
           God
           as
           ever
           had
           any
           of
           the
           Sons
           of
           men
           ,
           before
           he
           was
           cast
           to
           the
           ground
           by
           this
           Law
           of
           sin
           .
           So
           was
           it
           with
           Hezekiah
           in
           his
           degree
           ,
           which
           was
           none
           of
           the
           meanest
           .
           Now
           to
           set
           upon
           such
           persons
           ,
           so
           well
           acquainted
           with
           its
           power
           and
           deceit
           ,
           so
           armed
           and
           provided
           against
           it
           ,
           that
           had
           been
           conquerours
           over
           it
           for
           so
           many
           years
           ,
           and
           to
           prevail
           against
           them
           ,
           it
           argues
           a
           power
           and
           efficacy
           too
           mighty
           for
           every
           thing
           but
           the
           spirit
           of
           the
           Almighty
           to
           withstand
           .
           Who
           can
           look
           to
           have
           a
           greater
           stock
           of
           
             Inherent
             Grace
          
           than
           those
           men
           had
           ;
           to
           have
           more
           experience
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           excellency
           of
           his
           wayes
           ,
           the
           sweetness
           of
           his
           love
           ,
           and
           of
           communion
           with
           him
           than
           they
           had
           ;
           who
           hath
           either
           better
           furniture
           to
           oppose
           sin
           withal
           ,
           or
           more
           obligation
           so
           to
           do
           ,
           than
           they
           ?
           and
           yet
           we
           see
           how
           fearfully
           they
           were
           prevailed
           against
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           As
           if
           God
           had
           permitted
           their
           Falls
           on
           set
           purpose
           ,
           that
           we
           might
           learn
           to
           be
           wary
           of
           ●his
           powerful
           enemy
           ,
           they
           all
           of
           them
           fell
           out
           when
           they
           had
           
             newly
             received
             great
             &
             stupendious
             mercies
          
           from
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           ought
           to
           have
           been
           strong
           Obligations
           unto
           diligence
           and
           watchfulness
           
           in
           close
           obedience
           .
           Noah
           was
           but
           newly
           come
           forth
           of
           that
           
             world
             of
             waters
          
           wherein
           he
           saw
           the
           ungodly
           world
           perishing
           for
           their
           sins
           ,
           and
           himself
           preserved
           by
           that
           astonishable
           Miracle
           which
           all
           Ages
           must
           admire
           :
           Whilest
           the
           Worlds
           desolation
           ,
           was
           an
           hourly
           remembrancer
           unto
           him
           of
           his
           strange
           preservation
           by
           the
           immediate
           care
           and
           hand
           of
           God
           ,
           he
           falls
           into
           
             Drunkenness
             .
             Lot
          
           had
           newly
           seen
           that
           which
           every
           one
           that
           thinks
           on
           cannot
           but
           tremble
           .
           He
           saw
           ,
           as
           one
           speaks
           ,
           
             Hell
             coming
             out
             of
             Heaven
          
           upon
           unclean
           sinners
           ,
           the
           greatest
           evidence
           ,
           except
           the
           Cross
           of
           Christ
           ;
           that
           God
           ever
           gave
           in
           his
           Providence
           of
           the
           Judgment
           to
           come
           .
           He
           saw
           himself
           and
           Children
           delivered
           by
           the
           special
           care
           and
           miraculous
           hand
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           yet
           whilest
           these
           strange
           mercies
           were
           fresh
           upon
           him
           ,
           he
           fell
           into
           
             Drunkenness
             and
             Incest
             .
             David
          
           was
           delivered
           out
           of
           all
           his
           troubles
           and
           had
           the
           necks
           of
           his
           Enemies
           given
           him
           round
           about
           ,
           and
           he
           makes
           use
           of
           his
           Peace
           from
           a
           world
           of
           tryals
           and
           troubles
           to
           contrive
           
             Murder
             and
             Adultery
          
           .
           Immediately
           ,
           it
           was
           ,
           after
           Hezekiahs
           great
           and
           miraculos
           deliverance
           that
           he
           falls
           into
           his
           
             carnal
             pride
             and
             boasting
          
           .
           I
           say
           ,
           their
           falls
           in
           such
           seasons
           ,
           seem
           to
           be
           permitted
           on
           set
           purpose
           ,
           to
           instruct
           us
           all
           in
           the
           Truth
           that
           we
           have
           in
           hand
           ;
           so
           that
           no
           persons
           ,
           in
           no
           seasons
           ,
           with
           wht●
           furniture
           of
           Grace
           soever
           ,
           can
           promise
           themselves
           security
           from
           its
           prevalency
           ,
           any
           other
           wayes
           ,
           than
           by
           keeping
           close
           constantly
           to
           him
           ,
           who
           hath
           supplies
           to
           give
           out
           that
           are
           above
           its
           reach
           and
           efficacy
           .
           Methinks
           this
           should
           make
           us
           look
           about
           us
           .
           Are
           we
           better
           than
           Noah
           ,
           who
           had
           that
           
           testimony
           from
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           a
           
             perfect
             man
             in
             his
             Generation
             ,
             and
             walked
             with
             God
             ?
          
           Are
           we
           better
           than
           Lot
           ,
           whose
           Righteous
           Soul
           was
           vexed
           with
           the
           evil
           deeds
           of
           ungodly
           men
           ,
           and
           is
           thereof
           commended
           by
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           ?
           Are
           we
           more
           holy
           ,
           wise
           ,
           and
           watchful
           than
           David
           ,
           who
           obtained
           this
           testimony
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           
             a
             man
             after
             Gods
             own
             heart
             ?
          
           Or
           better
           than
           Hezekiah
           ,
           who
           appealed
           to
           God
           himself
           ,
           that
           he
           had
           served
           him
           uprightly
           with
           a
           perfect
           heart
           ?
           and
           yet
           what
           prevalency
           this
           Law
           of
           sin
           wrought
           in
           and
           over
           them
           ,
           we
           see
           .
           And
           there
           is
           no
           end
           of
           the
           like
           examples
           ;
           they
           are
           all
           set
           up
           as
           Buoys
           to
           discover
           unto
           us
           the
           Sands
           ,
           the
           Shelves
           ,
           the
           Rocks
           ,
           whereupon
           they
           made
           their
           shipwrack
           ,
           to
           their
           hazard
           ,
           danger
           ,
           loss
           ,
           yea
           and
           would
           have
           done
           to
           their
           ruine
           ,
           had
           not
           God
           been
           pleased
           in
           his
           faithfulness
           graciously
           to
           prevent
           it
           .
           And
           this
           is
           the
           first
           par●
           of
           this
           Evidence
           of
           the
           power
           of
           sin
           ,
           from
           its
           effects
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           manifests
           its
           power
           in
           the
           
             habitua●
             declensions
          
           from
           zeal
           &
           holiness
           ,
           from
           the
           frame
           ▪
           state
           and
           condition
           of
           Obedience
           and
           Communion
           with
           God
           ,
           whereunto
           they
           had
           attained
           ,
           which
           are
           found
           in
           many
           Believers
           .
           
             Promises
             of
             growt●
          
           and
           improvement
           are
           many
           ,
           and
           precious
           ;
           th●
           Means
           excellent
           and
           effectual
           ;
           the
           benefits
           grea●
           and
           unspeakable
           :
           Yet
           it
           often
           falls
           out
           ,
           that
           instead
           hereof
           ,
           decays
           and
           declensions
           are
           found
           upon
           Professors
           ,
           yea
           in
           and
           upon
           many
           of
           th●
           Saints
           of
           God.
           Now
           whereas
           this
           must
           nee●
           principally
           and
           chiefly
           be
           from
           the
           strength
           an●
           efficacy
           of
           indwelling
           sin
           ,
           and
           is
           therefore
           a
           grea●
           
           evidence
           thereof
           ;
           I
           shall
           first
           evince
           the
           Observation
           it self
           to
           be
           true
           ;
           namely
           ,
           That
           some
           of
           the
           
             Saints
             themselves
          
           do
           oftentimes
           so
           decline
           from
           that
           growth
           &
           pimrovement
           in
           faith
           ,
           grace
           ,
           &
           holiness
           which
           might
           justly
           be
           expected
           from
           them
           ;
           and
           then
           shew
           that
           the
           cause
           of
           this
           evil
           lies
           in
           that
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           treating
           of
           .
           And
           that
           it
           is
           the
           cause
           of
           
             total
             Apostasie
          
           in
           unsound
           Professors
           ,
           shall
           be
           after
           declared
           .
           But
           this
           is
           a
           greater
           work
           which
           we
           have
           in
           hand
           .
           The
           prevailing
           upon
           
             true
             Believers
          
           unto
           a
           sinful
           declension
           &
           
             gradual
             Apostasie
          
           ,
           requires
           a
           putting
           forth
           of
           more
           strength
           and
           efficacy
           ,
           than
           the
           prevailing
           upon
           
             unsound
             Professors
          
           unto
           
             total
             Apostasie
          
           .
           As
           the
           wind
           which
           will
           blow
           down
           a
           
             dead
             tree
          
           that
           hath
           no
           root
           ,
           to
           the
           ground
           ,
           will
           scarcely
           shake
           or
           bow
           a
           living
           
             well-rooted
             tree
          
           .
           But
           this
           it
           will
           do
           .
           There
           is
           mention
           made
           in
           the
           Scripture
           of
           the
           First
           wayes
           of
           David
           ,
           and
           they
           are
           commended
           above
           
             his
             later
          
           ,
           2
           Chron.
           17.
           3.
           
           The
           
             last
             wayes
          
           even
           of
           David
           were
           tainted
           with
           the
           power
           of
           
             In-dwelling
             Sin.
          
           Though
           we
           have
           mention
           only
           of
           the
           actual
           eruption
           of
           sin
           ,
           yet
           that
           uncleanness
           ,
           and
           pride
           which
           was
           working
           in
           him
           in
           his
           Numbring
           of
           the
           People
           ;
           were
           certainly
           rooted
           in
           a
           declension
           from
           his
           first
           frame
           .
           Those
           rushes
           did
           not
           grow
           without
           mire
           .
           David
           would
           not
           have
           done
           so
           in
           his
           
             younger
             days
          
           ,
           when
           he
           followed
           God
           in
           the
           wilderness
           of
           temptations
           and
           tryals
           ,
           full
           of
           faith
           ,
           love
           ,
           humility
           ,
           brokenness
           of
           heart
           ,
           zeal
           ,
           tender
           affection
           unto
           all
           the
           Ordinances
           of
           God
           ,
           all
           which
           were
           eminent
           in
           him
           .
           But
           his
           strength
           is
           impaired
           by
           the
           efficacy
           and
           deceitfulness
           of
           sin
           ;
           
           his
           Locks
           cut
           ,
           and
           he
           becomes
           a
           prey
           to
           vile
           Lusts
           and
           Temptations
           .
           We
           have
           a
           notable
           Instance
           in
           most
           of
           the
           Churches
           that
           our
           Saviour
           awakens
           to
           the
           consideration
           of
           their
           condition
           ,
           in
           the
           Revelations
           :
           We
           may
           single
           out
           one
           of
           them
           :
           Many
           good
           things
           there
           were
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           
             Ephesus
             ,
             Chap.
          
           2.
           2
           ,
           3.
           for
           which
           it
           is
           greatly
           commended
           ;
           but
           yet
           it
           is
           charged
           with
           a
           decay
           ,
           a
           declension
           ,
           a
           gradual
           falling
           off
           and
           Apostasie
           ,
           ver
           .
           4
           ,
           5.
           
           
             Thou
             hast
             left
             thy
             first
             Love
             ,
             remember
             therefore
             whence
             thou
             art
             fallen
             ,
             and
             do
             thy
             first
             works
             .
          
           There
           was
           a
           decay
           both
           Inward
           in
           the
           frame
           of
           heart
           ,
           as
           to
           faith
           ,
           and
           love
           ,
           and
           outward
           as
           to
           obedience
           and
           works
           ,
           in
           comparison
           of
           what
           they
           had
           formerly
           ,
           by
           the
           testimony
           of
           Christ
           himself
           .
           The
           same
           also
           might
           be
           shewed
           concerning
           the
           rest
           of
           those
           Churches
           ,
           only
           one
           or
           two
           of
           them
           excepted
           .
           Five
           of
           them
           are
           charged
           with
           decays
           and
           declensions
           .
           Hence
           there
           is
           mention
           in
           the
           Scripture
           of
           the
           
             Kindness
             of
             Youth
          
           ,
           of
           the
           
             Love
             of
             Espousals
          
           ,
           with
           great
           commendation
           ,
           Jer.
           2.
           2
           ,
           3.
           of
           our
           
             first
             Faith
          
           ,
           1
           Tim.
           5.
           12.
           of
           the
           
             beginning
             of
             our
             confidence
             ,
             Heb.
          
           3.
           14.
           
           And
           cautions
           are
           given
           ,
           that
           we
           
             lose
             not
             the
             things
             that
             we
             have
             wrought
             ,
          
           2
           John
           8.
           
           But
           what
           need
           we
           look
           back
           or
           search
           for
           Instances
           to
           confirm
           the
           truth
           of
           this
           Observation
           ?
           An
           
             habitual
             declension
          
           from
           first
           Ingagements
           unto
           God
           ,
           from
           first
           Attainments
           of
           Communion
           with
           God
           ,
           from
           first
           strictness
           in
           Duties
           of
           Obedience
           ,
           is
           ordinary
           and
           common
           amongst
           Professors
           ▪
           Might
           we
           to
           this
           purpose
           take
           a
           general
           view
           of
           the
           Professors
           in
           these
           Nations
           ,
           among
           whom
           the
           〈◊〉
           of
           the
           〈◊〉
           of
           us
           
           will
           be
           found
           in
           part
           or
           in
           whole
           ,
           in
           somewhat
           or
           in
           all
           ,
           to
           fall
           ,
           we
           might
           be
           plentifully
           convinced
           of
           the
           truth
           of
           this
           Observation
           .
           Is
           their
           Zeal
           for
           God
           as
           warm
           ,
           living
           ,
           vigorous
           ,
           effectual
           ,
           solicitous
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           in
           their
           first
           giving
           themselves
           unto
           God
           ?
           Or
           rather
           ,
           is
           there
           not
           a
           common
           ,
           slight
           ,
           selfish
           frame
           of
           spirit
           in
           the
           room
           of
           it
           come
           upon
           most
           Professors
           ?
           iniquity
           hath
           abounded
           ,
           and
           their
           love
           hath
           waxed
           cold
           .
           Was
           it
           not
           of
           old
           a
           burthen
           to
           their
           spirits
           to
           hear
           the
           Name
           ,
           and
           wayes
           ,
           and
           Worship
           of
           God
           blasphemed
           and
           profaned
           ?
           could
           they
           not
           have
           said
           with
           the
           Psalmist
           ,
           Ps.
           119.
           136.
           
           
             Rivers
             of
             water
             run
             down
             our
             eyes
             because
             men
             keep
             not
             thy
             Law
             ?
          
           Were
           not
           their
           souls
           solicitous
           about
           the
           Interest
           of
           Christ
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           like
           
           Eli's
           about
           the
           Ark
           ?
           Did
           they
           not
           contend
           earnestly
           for
           the
           
             Truth
             once
             delivered
             to
             the
             Saints
             ,
          
           and
           every
           parcel
           of
           it
           ?
           especially
           wherein
           the
           grace
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           glory
           of
           the
           Gospel
           was
           especially
           concerned
           :
           Did
           they
           not
           labour
           to
           judge
           and
           condemn
           the
           World
           by
           an
           holy
           and
           separate
           conversation
           ?
           And
           do
           now
           the
           generality
           of
           Professors
           abide
           in
           this
           frame
           ?
           have
           they
           grown
           ,
           and
           made
           improvement
           in
           it
           ?
           or
           is
           there
           not
           a
           coldness
           and
           indifferency
           grown
           upon
           the
           spirits
           of
           many
           in
           this
           thing
           ?
           Yea
           ,
           do
           not
           many
           despise
           all
           these
           things
           ,
           and
           look
           upon
           their
           own
           former
           Zeal
           ,
           as
           folly
           ?
           May
           we
           not
           see
           many
           who
           have
           formerly
           been
           of
           esteem
           in
           ways
           of
           Profession
           ,
           become
           daily
           a
           scorn
           and
           reproach
           through
           their
           miscarriages
           ,
           and
           that
           justly
           ,
           to
           the
           men
           of
           the
           World
           ?
           Is
           it
           not
           with
           them
           as
           it
           was
           of
           old
           with
           the
           Daughters
           of
           
             Sion
             ,
             (
             Isa.
          
           3.
           24.
           
           )
           
           when
           God
           judged
           them
           for
           their
           sins
           and
           wantonness
           ?
           Hath
           not
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           self
           utterly
           ruined
           their
           Profession
           ?
           and
           are
           they
           not
           regardless
           of
           the
           things
           wherein
           they
           have
           formerly
           declared
           a
           singular
           concernment
           ?
           Yea
           ,
           are
           not
           some
           come
           partly
           on
           one
           pretense
           ,
           partly
           on
           another
           ,
           to
           an
           open
           enmity
           unto
           ,
           and
           hatred
           of
           the
           wayes
           of
           God
           ?
           they
           please
           them
           no
           more
           ,
           but
           are
           evil
           in
           their
           eyes
           .
           But
           not
           to
           mention
           such
           
             open
             Apostates
          
           any
           farther
           ,
           whose
           Hypocrisie
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           will
           ●●ortly
           judge
           ;
           how
           is
           it
           with
           the
           best
           ?
           are
           not
           almost
           all
           men
           grown
           cold
           and
           slack
           as
           to
           these
           things
           ?
           are
           they
           not
           less
           concerned
           in
           them
           than
           formerly
           ?
           are
           they
           not
           grown
           weary
           ,
           selfish
           in
           their
           Religion
           ,
           and
           so
           things
           be
           
             indifferent
             well
          
           at
           home
           ,
           scarce
           care
           how
           thy
           go
           abroad
           in
           the
           world
           ?
           At
           least
           do
           they
           not
           prefer
           their
           ease
           ,
           credit
           ,
           safety
           ,
           secular
           advantages
           before
           these
           things
           ?
           A
           frame
           that
           Christ
           abhors
           ,
           and
           declares
           ,
           that
           those
           in
           whom
           it
           prevails
           are
           none
           of
           his
           :
           Some
           indeed
           seem
           to
           retain
           a
           good
           zeal
           for
           Truth
           ,
           but
           wherein
           they
           make
           the
           fairest
           appearance
           ,
           therein
           will
           they
           be
           found
           to
           be
           most
           abominable
           :
           They
           cry
           out
           against
           Errors
           ,
           not
           for
           Truth
           ,
           but
           for
           Parties
           and
           Interests
           sake
           .
           Let
           a
           man
           be
           on
           their
           Party
           ,
           and
           promote
           their
           Interest
           ,
           be
           he
           never
           so
           corrupt
           in
           his
           Judgment
           ,
           he
           is
           embraced
           ,
           and
           it
           may
           be
           admired
           .
           This
           is
           not
           
             zeal
             for
             God
          
           ,
           but
           for
           a
           mans
           self
           .
           It
           is
           not
           
             the
             Zeal
             of
             thine
             House
             hath
             eaten
             me
             up
             ,
          
           but
           ,
           
             Master
             ,
             forbid
             them
             because
             they
             follow
             not
             with
             us
             .
          
           Better
           it
           were
           doubtless
           for
           men
           never
           to
           pretend
           unto
           any
           Zeal
           at
           all
           ,
           than
           to
           substitute
           such
           warthful
           selfishness
           in
           the
           room
           of
           it
           .
        
         
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Is
           mens
           delight
           in
           the
           Ordinances
           &
           Worship
           of
           God
           the
           same
           as
           in
           former
           days
           ?
           Do
           they
           find
           the
           same
           sweetness
           and
           relish
           in
           them
           as
           they
           have
           done
           of
           old
           ?
           How
           precious
           hath
           the
           Word
           been
           to
           them
           formerly
           ?
           What
           joy
           and
           delight
           have
           they
           had
           in
           attendance
           thereon
           ?
           How
           would
           they
           have
           run
           and
           gone
           to
           have
           been
           made
           partakers
           of
           it
           ,
           where
           it
           was
           dispenced
           in
           its
           power
           and
           purity
           ,
           in
           the
           
             evidence
             and
             demonstration
          
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ?
           Did
           they
           not
           call
           the
           Sabbath
           their
           delight
           ,
           and
           was
           not
           the
           approach
           of
           it
           a
           real
           joy
           unto
           their
           Souls
           ?
           Did
           they
           not
           long
           after
           the
           converse
           and
           communion
           of
           Saints
           ?
           and
           could
           they
           not
           undergo
           manifold
           perils
           for
           the
           attainment
           of
           it
           ?
           And
           doth
           this
           frame
           still
           abide
           upon
           them
           ?
           are
           there
           not
           decays
           and
           declensions
           to
           be
           found
           amongst
           them
           ?
           May
           it
           not
           be
           said
           ,
           
             Gray
             hairs
             are
             here
             and
             there
             upon
             them
             ,
             and
             they
             perceive
             it
             not
             ?
          
           Yea
           ,
           are
           not
           men
           ready
           to
           say
           with
           them
           of
           old
           ,
           
             What
             a
             weariness
             is
             it
             ?
             Mal.
          
           1.
           3.
           
           It
           is
           even
           a
           
             burthen
             and
             a
             weariness
          
           to
           be
           tied
           up
           to
           the
           observation
           of
           all
           these
           Ordinances
           .
           Wha●
           need
           we
           be
           all
           out
           so
           strict
           in
           the
           observation
           of
           the
           Sabbath
           ?
           What
           need
           we
           hear
           so
           often
           ?
           What
           need
           this
           distinction
           in
           hearing
           ?
           Insensibly
           a
           great
           disrespect
           ,
           yea
           ,
           even
           a
           contempt
           of
           the
           pleasant
           and
           excellent
           ways
           of
           Christ
           and
           his
           Gospel
           ,
           is
           fallen
           upon
           many
           Professors
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           May
           not
           the
           same
           conviction
           be
           farther
           carried
           on
           ,
           by
           an
           enquiry
           into
           the
           
             universal
             course
             of
             obedience
          
           ,
           and
           the
           performance
           of
           duties
           that
           men
           have
           been
           engaged
           in
           .
           Is
           there
           the
           same
           
             conscientious
             tenderness
             of
             sinning
          
           abiding
           in
           many
           
           as
           was
           in
           dayes
           of
           old
           ?
           the
           same
           exact
           performance
           of
           
             private
             duties
          
           ?
           The
           same
           love
           to
           the
           brethren
           ?
           the
           same
           readiness
           for
           the
           Cross
           ?
           the
           same
           humility
           of
           mind
           and
           spirit
           ?
           the
           same
           self-denial
           ?
           The
           steam
           of
           mens
           lusts
           ,
           wherewith
           the
           air
           is
           tainted
           ,
           will
           not
           suffer
           us
           so
           to
           say
           .
        
         
           We
           need
           then
           go
           no
           farther
           than
           this
           wretched
           Generation
           wherein
           we
           live
           ,
           to
           evince
           the
           truth
           of
           the
           observation
           laid
           down
           ,
           as
           the
           foundation
           of
           the
           instance
           insisted
           on
           ,
           the
           Lord
           give
           repentance
           before
           it
           be
           too
           late
           .
        
         
           Now
           all
           these
           declensions
           ,
           all
           these
           decays
           that
           are
           found
           in
           some
           Professors
           ,
           they
           all
           proceed
           from
           this
           root
           and
           cause
           ,
           they
           are
           all
           the
           product
           of
           
             Indwelling
             sin
          
           ,
           and
           all
           evince
           the
           exceeding
           power
           and
           efficacy
           of
           it
           .
           For
           the
           proof
           whereof
           I
           shall
           not
           need
           to
           go
           farther
           than
           the
           
             general
             rule
          
           which
           out
           of
           James
           we
           have
           already
           considered
           ;
           namely
           that
           lust
           or
           indwelling
           sin
           ,
           is
           the
           cause
           of
           all
           actual
           sin
           ,
           and
           all
           habitual
           declensions
           in
           Believers
           .
           This
           is
           that
           which
           the
           Apostle
           intends
           in
           that
           place
           to
           teach
           and
           declare
           .
           I
           shall
           therefore
           handle
           these
           two
           things
           ,
           and
           shew
           ,
           First
           ,
           That
           this
           doth
           evince
           a
           great
           
             efficacy
             and
             power
          
           in
           sin
           .
           Secondly
           ,
           Declare
           the
           ways
           and
           means
           whereby
           it
           
             brings
             forth
          
           or
           brings
           about
           this
           cursed
           effect
           ;
           all
           in
           design
           of
           our
           general
           end
           ,
           in
           calling
           upon
           and
           cautioning
           Believers
           to
           avoid
           it
           ,
           to
           oppose
           it
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           It
           appears
           to
           be
           a
           work
           of
           great
           
             power
             and
             efficacy
          
           ,
           from
           the
           provision
           that
           is
           made
           against
           it
           ,
           which
           it
           prevails
           over
           .
           There
           is
           in
           the
           Covenant
           of
           grace
           plentiful
           provision
           made
           ,
           not
           only
           for
           the
           preventing
           of
           declensions
           and
           decays
           in
           Believers
           ,
           
           but
           also
           for
           their
           continual
           carrying
           on
           towards
           perfection
           .
           As
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           The
           Word
           it self
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           Ordinances
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           are
           appointed
           and
           given
           unto
           us
           for
           this
           end
           ,
           Eph.
           4.
           11
           ,
           12
           ,
           13
           ,
           14
           ,
           15.
           
           That
           which
           is
           the
           end
           of
           giving
           
             Gospel
             Officers
          
           to
           the
           Church
           is
           the
           end
           also
           of
           giving
           all
           the
           Ordinances
           to
           be
           administred
           by
           them
           .
           For
           they
           are
           given
           
             for
             the
             work
             of
             the
             ministry
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           for
           the
           administration
           of
           the
           Ordinances
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
           Now
           what
           is
           ,
           or
           what
           are
           these
           ends
           ?
           They
           are
           all
           for
           the
           preventing
           of
           decays
           and
           declensions
           in
           the
           Saints
           ,
           all
           for
           the
           carrying
           them
           onto
           Perfection
           ,
           so
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           ver
           .
           12.
           
           In
           general
           it
           is
           
             for
             the
             perfecting
             of
             the
             Saints
             ,
          
           carrying
           on
           the
           work
           of
           grace
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           the
           work
           of
           holiness
           and
           obedience
           by
           them
           ;
           or
           for
           
             the
             edifying
             of
             the
             body
             of
             Christ
             ,
          
           their
           building
           up
           in
           an-encrease
           of
           faith
           and
           love
           ,
           even
           of
           every
           true
           member
           of
           the
           mystical
           body
           .
           But
           how
           far
           are
           they
           appointed
           thus
           to
           carry
           them
           on
           ,
           thus
           to
           build
           them
           up
           ?
           Hath
           it
           bounds
           fixed
           to
           its
           work
           ?
           doth
           it
           carry
           them
           so
           far
           ,
           and
           then
           leave
           them
           ?
           No
           ,
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           verse
           13.
           
           The
           dispensation
           of
           the
           Word
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           the
           Ordinances
           thereof
           ,
           is
           designed
           for
           our
           help
           ,
           assistance
           ,
           and
           furtherance
           ,
           until
           the
           whole
           work
           of
           faith
           and
           obedience
           is
           consummate
           .
           It
           is
           appointed
           to
           perfect
           and
           compleat
           that
           faith
           ,
           knowledge
           ,
           and
           growth
           in
           grace
           and
           holiness
           ,
           which
           is
           allotted
           unto
           us
           in
           this
           world
           .
           But
           what
           and
           if
           oppositions
           and
           temptations
           do
           lie
           in
           the
           way
           ,
           Satan
           and
           his
           instruments
           working
           with
           great
           subtilty
           and
           deceit
           ?
           Why
           verse
           14.
           
           these
           Ordinances
           are
           designed
           for
           our
           safe-guarding
           and
           deliverance
           from
           all
           their
           attempts
           and
           assaults
           ,
           that
           so
           being
           preserved
           in
           the
           use
           of
           them
           ,
           
             or
             speaking
             the
             truth
             in
             love
             ,
             we
             may
             grow
             up
             unto
             him
             in
             all
             things
             who
             is
             the
             head
             ,
             even
             Christ
             Jesus
             .
          
           This
           is
           in
           general
           the
           use
           of
           all
           
             Gospel
             Ordinances
          
           ,
           the
           chief
           and
           man
           end
           for
           which
           they
           were
           given
           and
           appointed
           of
           God
           ;
           namely
           to
           preserve
           Believers
           from
           all
           decays
           of
           faith
           and
           obedience
           ,
           and
           to
           carry
           them
           on
           still
           towards
           perfection
           .
           These
           are
           means
           which
           God
           ,
           the
           
             good
             Husbandman
          
           ,
           makes
           use
           of
           ,
           to
           cause
           the
           Vine
           to
           thrive
           and
           bring
           forth
           fruit
           .
           And
           I
           could
           also
           manifest
           the
           same
           to
           be
           the
           especial
           end
           of
           them
           distinctly
           .
           Briefly
           ,
           the
           Word
           is
           milk
           and
           
             strong
             meat
          
           ,
           for
           the
           nourishing
           and
           strengthning
           of
           all
           sorts
           ,
           and
           all
           degrees
           of
           Believers
           .
           It
           hath
           both
           seed
           and
           water
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           manuring
           with
           it
           ,
           to
           make
           them
           fruitful
           .
           The
           Ordinance
           of
           the
           Supper
           is
           appointed
           on
           purpose
           for
           the
           strengthning
           of
           our
           faith
           in
           the
           remembrance
           of
           the
           death
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           the
           exercise
           of
           love
           one
           towards
           another
           .
           The
           
             communion
             of
             Saints
          
           is
           for
           the
           edifying
           each
           other
           in
           faith
           ,
           love
           ,
           and
           obedience
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           There
           is
           that
           which
           adds
           weight
           to
           this
           consideration
           .
           God
           suffers
           us
           not
           to
           be
           unmindful
           of
           this
           assistance
           he
           hath
           afforded
           us
           ,
           but
           is
           continually
           
             calling
             upon
             us
          
           to
           make
           use
           of
           the
           means
           oppointed
           for
           the
           attaining
           of
           the
           end
           proposed
           .
           He
           shews
           them
           unto
           us
           ,
           as
           the
           Angel
           shewed
           the
           water-spring
           to
           Hagar●
           Commands
           ,
           Exhortations
           ,
           Promises
           ,
           Threatnings
           ,
           are
           multiplied
           to
           this
           purpose
           ;
           see
           them
           summed
           up
           ,
           
           Heb.
           2.
           1.
           
           He
           is
           continually
           saying
           to
           us
           ,
           Why
           will
           you
           die
           ?
           why
           will
           you
           
             wither
             and
             decay
          
           ?
           Come
           to
           the
           Pastures
           provided
           for
           you
           ,
           and
           your
           souls
           shall
           live
           .
           If
           we
           see
           a
           Lamb
           run
           from
           the
           fold
           into
           the
           Wilderness
           ,
           we
           wonder
           not
           if
           it
           be
           torn
           and
           rent
           of
           wild
           beasts
           :
           If
           we
           see
           a
           Sheep
           leaving
           its
           
             green
             Pastures
          
           and
           water-courses
           ,
           to
           abide
           in
           dry
           barren
           Heaths
           ,
           we
           count
           it
           no
           marvel
           ,
           nor
           enquire
           farther
           ,
           if
           we
           see
           him
           lean
           and
           ready
           to
           perish
           .
           But
           if
           we
           find
           Lambs
           wounded
           in
           the
           fold
           ,
           we
           wonder
           at
           the
           boldness
           and
           rage
           of
           the
           
             beasts
             of
             prey
          
           ,
           that
           durst
           set
           upon
           them
           there
           .
           If
           we
           see
           Sheep
           pining
           in
           
             full
             pastures
          
           ,
           we
           judge
           them
           to
           be
           diseased
           and
           unsound
           .
           It
           is
           indeed
           no
           marvel
           that
           poor
           creatures
           ,
           who
           for
           sake
           their
           
             own
             mercies
          
           ,
           and
           run
           away
           from
           the
           pasture
           and
           fold
           of
           Christ
           in
           his
           Ordinances
           ,
           are
           rent
           and
           torn
           with
           divers
           lusts
           ,
           and
           do
           pine
           away
           with
           hunger
           and
           famine
           .
           But
           to
           see
           men
           living
           under
           ,
           and
           enjoying
           all
           the
           means
           of
           spiritual
           thriving
           ,
           yet
           to
           decay
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           fat
           and
           flourishing
           ,
           but
           rather
           daily
           to
           pine
           and
           wither
           ,
           this
           argues
           some
           secret
           powerful
           distemper
           ,
           whose
           poisonous
           and
           noxious
           qualities
           hinder
           the
           vertue
           and
           efficacy
           of
           the
           means
           they
           enjoy
           .
           This
           is
           Indwelling-sin
           .
           So
           wonderfully
           powerful
           ,
           so
           effectually
           poisonous
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           it
           can
           bring
           leanness
           on
           the
           souls
           of
           men
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           all
           precious
           means
           of
           growth
           and
           flourishing
           .
           It
           may
           well
           make
           us
           tremble
           to
           see
           men
           living
           under
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           use
           of
           the
           means
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           preaching
           ,
           praying
           ,
           administration
           of
           Sacrameats
           ,
           and
           yet
           grow
           colder
           every
           day
           than
           other
           in
           zeal
           for
           God
           ,
           more
           selfish
           and
           worldly
           ,
           even
           
             habitually
             ,
             
             to
             decline
          
           as
           to
           the
           degrees
           of
           holiness
           which
           they
           had
           attained
           unto
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Together
           with
           the
           dispensation
           of
           the
           
             outward
             means
          
           of
           spiritual
           growth
           or
           improvement
           ,
           there
           are
           also
           supplies
           of
           grace
           continually
           afforded
           the
           Saints
           from
           their
           Head
           ,
           Christ
           Jesus
           .
           He
           is
           the
           Head
           of
           all
           the
           Saints
           .
           And
           he
           is
           a
           
             living
             Head
          
           ,
           and
           so
           a
           living
           Head
           ,
           as
           that
           he
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           
             because
             he
             liveth
             ,
             we
             shall
             live
             also
             ,
             Joh.
          
           14.
           19.
           
           He
           communicates
           of
           
             spiritual
             life
          
           to
           all
           that
           are
           his
           .
           In
           him
           is
           the
           fountain
           of
           our
           life
           ,
           which
           is
           therefore
           said
           to
           be
           
             hid
             with
             him
             in
             God
             ,
             Col.
          
           3.
           3.
           
           And
           this
           life
           he
           gives
           unto
           his
           Saints
           ,
           by
           quickning
           of
           them
           by
           his
           Spirit
           ,
           Rom.
           9.
           11.
           
           And
           he
           continues
           it
           unto
           them
           ,
           by
           the
           supplies
           of
           
             living
             grace
          
           which
           he
           communicates
           unto
           them
           .
           From
           these
           two
           ,
           his
           quickning
           of
           us
           ,
           and
           continually
           giving
           out
           supplies
           
             of
             life
             unto
             us
          
           ,
           he
           is
           said
           to
           live
           in
           us
           ,
           Gal.
           2.
           20.
           
           
             I
             live
             ,
             yet
             not
             I
             ,
             but
             Christ
             liveth
             in
             me
             .
          
           The
           
             spiritual
             life
          
           which
           I
           have
           is
           not
           mine
           own
           ,
           not
           from
           my self
           was
           it
           educed
           ,
           not
           by
           my self
           is
           it
           maintained
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           meerly
           and
           solely
           the
           work
           of
           Christ
           ;
           so
           that
           it
           is
           not
           
             I
             that
             live
             ,
             but
             he
             lives
             in
             me
             ,
          
           the
           whole
           of
           my
           life
           being
           from
           him
           alone
           .
           Neither
           doth
           this
           
             living
             head
          
           communicate
           only
           a
           
             bare
             life
          
           unto
           believers
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           meerly
           live
           &
           no
           more
           a
           poor
           ,
           weak
           ,
           dying
           life
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           but
           he
           gives
           out
           sufficiently
           to
           afford
           them
           a
           strong
           ,
           vigorous
           ,
           thriving
           ,
           flourishing
           life
           ,
           Joh.
           10.
           10.
           
           He
           comes
           not
           only
           that
           his
           sheep
           may
           have
           life
           ,
           but
           that
           
             they
             may
             have
             it
             more
             abundantly
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           in
           a
           plentiful
           manner
           ,
           〈◊〉
           as
           that
           they
           may
           flourish
           ,
           be
           fat
           and
           fruitful●
           
           Thus
           is
           it
           with
           the
           whole
           body
           of
           Christ
           and
           every
           member
           thereof
           ,
           Eph.
           4.
           15
           ,
           16.
           
           
             Whereby
             it
             grows
             up
             into
             him
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             Head
             ,
             even
             Christ
             ;
             from
             whom
             the
             whole
             body
             fitly
             joyned
             together
             ,
             and
             compacted
             ,
             by
             that
             which
             every
             joynt
             supplieth
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             effectual
             working
             in
             the
             measure
             of
             every
             part
             ,
             maketh
             increase
             of
             the
             body
             unto
             the
             edifying
             of
             it self
             in
             love
             .
          
           The
           end
           of
           all
           communications
           of
           grace
           ,
           and
           supplies
           of
           life
           from
           this
           living
           and
           blessed
           Head
           ,
           is
           the
           increase
           of
           the
           whole
           body
           ,
           and
           every
           member
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           the
           edifying
           of
           it self
           in
           love
           .
           His
           treasures
           of
           grace
           are
           unsearchable
           ,
           his
           stores
           inexhaustible
           .
           His
           life
           ,
           the
           fonutain
           of
           ours
           ,
           full
           and
           eternal
           ,
           his
           heart
           bounteous
           and
           large
           ,
           his
           hand
           open
           and
           liberal
           ;
           so
           that
           there
           is
           no
           doubt
           but
           that
           he
           communicates
           supplies
           of
           grace
           for
           their
           increase
           in
           holiness
           abundantly
           unto
           all
           his
           Saints
           .
           Whence
           then
           is
           it
           that
           they
           do
           not
           all
           flourish
           and
           thrive
           accordingly
           ?
           As
           you
           may
           see
           it
           oftentimes
           in
           a
           natural
           body
           ,
           so
           is
           it
           here
           .
           Though
           the
           seat
           and
           rise
           of
           the
           blood
           and
           spirits
           in
           head
           and
           heart
           be
           excellently
           good
           and
           sound
           ,
           yet
           there
           may
           be
           a
           
             withering
             member
          
           in
           the
           body
           ;
           somewhat
           intercepts
           the
           influences
           of
           life
           unto
           it
           .
           So
           that
           though
           the
           heart
           and
           head
           do
           perform
           their
           office
           ,
           in
           giving
           of
           supplies
           no
           less
           to
           that
           ,
           than
           they
           do
           to
           any
           other
           member
           ,
           yet
           all
           the
           effect
           produced
           ,
           is
           meerly
           to
           keep
           it
           from
           
             utter
             perishing
          
           ;
           it
           grows
           weak
           and
           decaies
           every
           day
           .
           The
           withering
           and
           decaying
           of
           any
           member
           in
           Christs
           
             mystical
             body
          
           ,
           is
           not
           for
           the
           want
           of
           his
           communication
           of
           grace
           for
           an
           
             abundant
             life
          
           ,
           but
           from
           the
           powerful
           interception
           that
           
           is
           made
           of
           the
           efficacy
           of
           it
           ,
           by
           the
           interposition
           and
           opposition
           of
           
             In-dwelling
             Sin.
          
           Hence
           it
           is
           that
           where
           Lust
           grows
           strong
           ,
           a
           great
           deal
           of
           Grace
           will
           but
           keep
           the
           Soul
           alive
           ,
           and
           not
           give
           it
           any
           eminency
           in
           fruitfulness
           at
           all
           .
           Oftentimes
           Christ
           gives
           very
           
             much
             Grace
          
           ,
           where
           not
           many
           of
           its
           effects
           do
           appear
           .
           It
           spends
           its
           strength
           ,
           and
           power
           ,
           in
           withstanding
           the
           continual
           assaults
           of
           violent
           corruptions
           and
           lusts
           ,
           so
           that
           it
           cannot
           put
           forth
           its
           proper
           vertue
           towards
           farther
           fruitfulness
           .
           As
           a
           
             vertuous
             Medicine
          
           ,
           that
           is
           fit
           both
           to
           check
           vitious
           and
           noxious
           humours
           ,
           and
           to
           comfort
           ,
           refresh
           and
           strengthen
           Nature
           ,
           if
           the
           evil
           humour
           be
           strong
           and
           greatly
           prevailing
           ,
           spends
           its
           whole
           strength
           and
           vertue
           in
           the
           subduing
           and
           correcting
           of
           it
           ,
           contributing
           much
           less
           to
           the
           relief
           of
           Nature
           than
           otherwise
           it
           would
           do
           ,
           if
           it
           met
           not
           with
           such
           oppositions
           :
           So
           is
           it
           with
           
             the
             eye-salve
          
           ,
           and
           the
           healing
           grace
           which
           we
           have
           abundantly
           from
           the
           
             wings
             of
             the
             Sun
             of
             Righteousness
             .
          
           It
           is
           forced
           oftentimes
           ,
           to
           put
           forth
           its
           vertue
           to
           oppose
           and
           contend
           against
           ,
           and
           in
           any
           measure
           subdue
           prevailing
           lusts
           and
           corruptions
           :
           That
           the
           Soul
           receiveth
           not
           that
           strengthening
           unto
           duties
           and
           fruitfulness
           which
           otherwise
           it
           might
           receive
           by
           it
           ,
           is
           from
           hence
           .
           How
           sound
           ,
           healthy
           ,
           and
           flourishing
           ,
           how
           fruitful
           and
           exemplary
           in
           holiness
           ,
           might
           many
           a
           soul
           be
           ,
           by
           and
           with
           that
           grace
           which
           is
           continually
           communicated
           to
           it
           from
           Christ
           ,
           which
           now
           by
           reason
           of
           the
           power
           of
           in-dwelling
           sin
           is
           only
           
             not
             dead
             ▪
          
           but
           weak
           ,
           withering
           and
           useless
           .
           And
           this
           ,
           if
           any
           thing
           ,
           is
           a
           notable
           evidence
           of
           the
           efficacy
           of
           
             in-dwelling
             sin
          
           ,
           
           that
           it
           is
           able
           to
           give
           such
           a
           stop
           ,
           and
           check
           to
           the
           mighty
           and
           effectual
           power
           of
           Grace
           ,
           so
           that
           notwithstanding
           the
           blessed
           and
           continual
           supplies
           that
           we
           receive
           from
           our
           Head
           ,
           yet
           many
           Believers
           do
           decline
           and
           decay
           ,
           and
           that
           habitually
           ,
           as
           to
           what
           they
           had
           attained
           unto
           ;
           their
           
             last
             waies
          
           not
           answering
           their
           first
           .
           This
           makes
           the
           Vineyard
           in
           the
           very
           
             fruitful
             hill
          
           to
           bring
           forth
           so
           many
           wilde
           Grapes
           .
           This
           makes
           so
           many
           trees
           barren
           in
           fertile
           fields
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           Besides
           the
           
             continual
             supplies
             of
             Grace
          
           that
           constantly
           according
           to
           the
           tenure
           of
           the
           Covenant
           are
           communicated
           unto
           Believers
           ,
           which
           keeps
           them
           that
           they
           thirst
           no
           more
           as
           to
           
             a
             total
             indigence
          
           ,
           there
           is
           moreover
           
             a
             readiness
          
           in
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           to
           yield
           peculiar
           succour
           to
           the
           souls
           of
           his
           ,
           according
           as
           their
           occasions
           shall
           require
           .
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           
             a
             merciful
             High-Priest
          
           and
           able
           ,
           (
           that
           is
           ready
           prepared
           and
           willing
           )
           
             to
             succour
             them
             that
             are
             tempted
             ,
          
           Heb.
           2.
           18.
           
           And
           we
           are
           on
           that
           account
           ,
           invited
           to
           come
           
             with
             boldness
          
           to
           the
           Throne
           of
           Grace
           ,
           
             that
             we
             may
             obtain
             mercy
             ,
             and
             find
             grace
             to
             help
             in
             time
             of
             need
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           grace
           sufficient
           ,
           seasonable
           ,
           suitable
           unto
           any
           special
           tryal
           or
           Temptation
           that
           we
           may
           be
           exercised
           withal
           .
           Our
           merciful
           High-Priest
           is
           ready
           to
           give
           out
           this
           especial
           seasonable
           Grace
           ,
           over
           and
           above
           those
           constant
           Communications
           of
           supplies
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           which
           we
           mentioned
           before
           .
           Besides
           the
           
             never-failing
             Springs
          
           of
           ordinary
           Covenant
           grace
           ,
           he
           hath
           also
           peculiar
           refreshing
           showers
           for
           times
           of
           drought
           .
           And
           this
           is
           exceedingly
           to
           the
           advantage
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           for
           their
           preservation
           
           and
           growth
           in
           grace
           ;
           and
           there
           may
           very
           many
           more
           of
           the
           like
           nature
           be
           added
           .
           But
           now
           I
           say
           notwithstanding
           all
           these
           ,
           and
           the
           residue
           of
           the
           like
           importance
           ,
           such
           is
           the
           power
           and
           efficacy
           of
           indwelling-Sin
           ,
           so
           great
           its
           deceitfulness
           and
           restlesness
           ,
           so
           many
           its
           wiles
           and
           temptations
           ,
           it
           often
           falls
           out
           that
           many
           of
           them
           for
           whose
           growth
           and
           improvement
           all
           this
           provision
           is
           made
           ,
           do
           yet
           as
           was
           shewed
           ,
           go
           back
           and
           decline
           ,
           even
           as
           to
           their
           course
           of
           walking
           with
           God.
           Sampsons
           strength
           fully
           evidenced
           it self
           when
           he
           brake
           
             seven
             new
             Wit
             hs
          
           ,
           and
           
             seven
             new
             Cords
          
           ,
           wherewith
           he
           was
           bound
           ,
           as
           
             burning
             tow
             ,
             and
             as
             thred
             .
          
           The
           noxious
           humour
           in
           the
           body
           which
           is
           so
           stubborn
           ,
           as
           that
           no
           use
           of
           the
           most
           soveraign
           remedies
           can
           prevail
           against
           it
           ,
           ought
           to
           be
           regarded
           .
           Such
           is
           this
           indwelling-sin
           if
           not
           watched
           over
           :
           It
           breaks
           all
           the
           cords
           made
           to
           binde
           it
           ;
           it
           blunts
           the
           instruments
           appointed
           to
           root
           it
           up
           ;
           it
           resists
           all
           healing
           Medicines
           though
           never
           so
           soveraign
           ,
           and
           is
           therefore
           assuredly
           of
           exceeding
           efficacy
           .
           Besides
           ,
           Believers
           have
           
             innumerable
             Obligations
          
           upon
           them
           from
           the
           Love
           ,
           the
           Command
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           
             grow
             in
             grace
          
           ,
           to
           press
           forward
           towards
           perfection
           ,
           as
           they
           have
           
             abundant
             means
          
           provided
           for
           them
           so
           to
           do
           .
           Their
           doing
           so
           ,
           is
           a
           matter
           of
           the
           greatest
           advantage
           ,
           profit
           ,
           sweetness
           ,
           contentment
           unto
           them
           in
           the
           world
           :
           It
           is
           the
           burden
           ,
           the
           trouble
           of
           their
           Souls
           ,
           that
           they
           do
           not
           so
           do
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           not
           more
           holy
           ,
           more
           zealous
           useful
           ,
           fruitful
           ;
           they
           desire
           it
           above
           Life
           it self
           ;
           they
           know
           it
           is
           their
           duty
           
             to
             watch
          
           against
           this
           Enemy
           ,
           to
           fight
           against
           it
           ,
           to
           pray
           against
           it
           ,
           and
           so
           they
           do
           .
           They
           more
           
           desire
           his
           destruction
           ,
           than
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           all
           this
           world
           ▪
           and
           all
           that
           it
           can
           afford
           .
           And
           yet
           notwithstanding
           all
           this
           such
           is
           the
           subtilty
           ,
           and
           fraud
           ,
           and
           violence
           ,
           and
           fury
           ,
           and
           urgency
           ,
           and
           importunity
           of
           this
           Adversary
           ,
           that
           it
           frequently
           prevails
           to
           bring
           them
           into
           the
           woful
           condition
           mentioned
           .
           Hence
           it
           is
           with
           Believers
           sometimes
           as
           it
           is
           with
           men
           in
           some
           places
           at
           Sea
           ;
           they
           have
           a
           good
           and
           fair
           
             gale
             of
             wind
          
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           all
           night
           long
           ;
           they
           ply
           their
           tackling
           ,
           attend
           diligently
           their
           business
           ,
           and
           it
           may
           be
           take
           great
           contentment
           to
           consider
           how
           they
           proceed
           in
           their
           Voyage
           :
           In
           the
           morning
           ,
           or
           after
           a
           season
           coming
           to
           measure
           what
           way
           they
           have
           made
           ,
           and
           what
           progress
           they
           have
           had
           ,
           they
           find
           that
           they
           are
           much
           backward
           of
           what
           they
           were
           ,
           instead
           of
           getting
           one
           step
           forward
           ;
           falling
           into
           a
           swift
           tide
           ,
           or
           current
           against
           them
           ,
           it
           hath
           frustrated
           all
           their
           Labours
           ,
           and
           rendered
           the
           wind
           in
           their
           Sails
           almost
           useless
           ;
           somewhat
           thereby
           they
           have
           born
           up
           against
           the
           stream
           ,
           but
           have
           made
           no
           progress
           .
           So
           is
           it
           with
           Believers
           :
           They
           have
           a
           good
           gale
           of
           supplies
           of
           the
           Spirit
           from
           above
           ,
           they
           attend
           duties
           diligently
           ,
           pray
           constantly
           ,
           hear
           attentively
           ,
           and
           omit
           nothing
           that
           may
           carry
           them
           in
           their
           Voyage
           towards
           Eternity
           .
           But
           after
           a
           while
           ,
           coming
           seriously
           to
           consider
           by
           the
           examination
           of
           their
           hearts
           and
           waies
           ,
           what
           progress
           they
           have
           made
           ,
           they
           find
           that
           all
           their
           assistance
           ,
           and
           duties
           ,
           have
           not
           been
           able
           to
           bear
           them
           up
           against
           some
           
             strong
             tide
          
           or
           current
           of
           Indwelling-Sin
           .
           It
           hath
           kept
           them
           indeed
           that
           they
           have
           not
           been
           driven
           and
           split
           on
           rocks
           and
           shelves
           ;
           it
           hath
           preserved
           
           ●hem
           from
           gross
           ,
           scandalous
           sins
           ,
           but
           yet
           they
           have
           lost
           in
           their
           
             spiritual
             frame
          
           ,
           or
           gone
           backwards
           ,
           and
           are
           intangled
           under
           many
           woful
           decayes
           ;
           which
           is
           a
           notable
           evidence
           of
           the
           
             Life
             of
             Sin
          
           ,
           about
           which
           we
           are
           treating
           .
           Now
           because
           the
           end
           of
           our
           discovering
           
             this
             power
             of
             Sin
          
           ,
           is
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           careful
           to
           obviate
           and
           prevent
           it
           in
           its
           operation
           ,
           and
           because
           of
           all
           the
           effects
           that
           it
           produceth
           there
           is
           none
           more
           dangerous
           or
           pernicious
           than
           that
           we
           have
           last
           insisted
           on
           ,
           namely
           ,
           that
           it
           prevails
           upon
           many
           Professors
           unto
           an
           
             habitual
             declension
          
           from
           their
           former
           wayes
           and
           Attainments
           ,
           notwithstanding
           all
           the
           sweetness
           and
           excellency
           which
           their
           Souls
           have
           found
           in
           them
           ,
           I
           shall
           ,
           as
           was
           said
           ,
           in
           the
           next
           place
           consider
           by
           what
           
             Waies
             and
             Means
          
           ,
           and
           through
           what
           assistance
           it
           usually
           prevails
           in
           this
           kind
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           the
           better
           be
           instructed
           to
           watch
           against
           it
           .
        
      
       
         
           CHAP.
           XV.
           
        
         
           
             Decayes
             in
             Degrees
             of
             Grace
             caused
             by
             Indwelling
             Sin.
             The
             Waies
             of
             its
             prevalency
             to
             this
             purpose
             .
          
        
         
           THE
           Waies
           and
           Means
           whereby
           
             In-dwelling
             Sin
          
           prevaileth
           on
           Believers
           unto
           habitual
           declensions
           and
           decaies
           ,
           as
           to
           
             degrees
             of
             Grace
          
           and
           Holiness
           ,
           is
           that
           now
           which
           comes
           under
           consideration
           ,
           and
           are
           many
           .
        
         
         
           First
           ,
           Upon
           the
           
             first
             Conversion
          
           and
           calling
           of
           Sinners
           unto
           God
           and
           Christ
           ,
           they
           have
           usually
           many
           
             fresh
             Springs
          
           breaking
           forth
           in
           their
           Souls
           ,
           and
           Refreshing
           showers
           coming
           upon
           them
           ,
           which
           bear
           them
           up
           to
           an
           
             high
             rate
          
           of
           Faith
           ,
           Love
           ,
           Holiness
           ,
           Fruitfulness
           and
           Obedience
           .
           As
           upon
           a
           Land-flood
           when
           many
           lesser
           streams
           run
           into
           a
           River
           ,
           it
           swells
           over
           its
           bounds
           ,
           and
           rouls
           on
           with
           a
           more
           than
           ordinary
           fulness
           .
           Now
           if
           these
           Springs
           be
           not
           kept
           open
           ,
           if
           they
           prevail
           not
           for
           the
           continuance
           of
           these
           showers
           ,
           they
           must
           needs
           decay
           and
           go
           backwards
           .
           We
           shall
           name
           
             one
             or
             two
          
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           They
           have
           
             a
             fresh
             ,
             vigorous
             sence
             of
             Pardoning
             Mercy
             .
          
           According
           as
           this
           is
           in
           the
           Soul
           ,
           so
           will
           its
           Love
           and
           delight
           in
           God
           ,
           so
           will
           its
           Obedience
           be
           .
           As
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           is
           the
           sence
           of
           Gospel-pardon
           ,
           so
           will
           be
           the
           life
           of
           Gospel-love
           .
           Luke
           7.
           47.
           
           
             I
             say
             unto
             thee
          
           ,
           saith
           our
           Saviour
           of
           the
           poor
           Woman
           ,
           
             her
             sins
             ,
             which
             were
             many
             ,
             are
             forgiven
             ,
             for
             she
             loved
             much
             ,
             but
             to
             whom
             little
             is
             forgiven
             ,
             the
             same
             loveth
             little
             .
          
           Her
           
             great
             love
          
           was
           an
           evidence
           of
           
             great
             forgiveness
          
           ;
           and
           her
           great
           sence
           of
           it
           .
           For
           our
           Saviour
           is
           not
           rendring
           a
           reason
           of
           her
           forgiveness
           ,
           as
           though
           it
           were
           for
           her
           Love
           ,
           but
           of
           her
           Love
           ,
           that
           it
           was
           because
           of
           her
           forgiveness
           .
           Having
           in
           the
           foregoing
           Parable
           from
           Verse
           38.
           and
           onwards
           ,
           convinced
           the
           Pharisees
           with
           whom
           he
           had
           to
           do
           ,
           that
           he
           to
           whom
           most
           was
           forgiven
           would
           love
           most
           ,
           as
           Verse
           43.
           
           He
           thence
           gives
           an
           account
           of
           the
           
             great
             love
          
           of
           the
           Woman
           springing
           from
           the
           sence
           she
           had
           of
           the
           
             great
             forgiveness
          
           which
           she
           had
           so
           freely
           received
           .
           Thus
           sinners
           
           at
           their
           first
           Conversion
           are
           very
           sensible
           of
           great
           forgiveness
           :
           
             Of
             whom
             I
             am
             chief
          
           ,
           lies
           next
           their
           heart
           .
           This
           greatly
           subdues
           their
           hearts
           and
           spirits
           unto
           all
           in
           God
           ,
           and
           quickens
           them
           unto
           all
           Obedience
           ;
           even
           that
           such
           poor
           cursed
           sinners
           as
           they
           were
           ,
           should
           so
           freely
           be
           delivered
           and
           pardoned
           .
           The
           love
           of
           God
           and
           of
           Christ
           in
           their
           forgiveness
           ,
           highly
           conquers
           and
           constrains
           them
           to
           make
           it
           their
           business
           to
           
             live
             unto
             God.
          
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           The
           
             fresh
             taste
             they
             have
             had
             of
             spiritual
             things
             ,
          
           keeps
           up
           such
           a
           favour
           and
           relish
           of
           them
           in
           their
           Souls
           ,
           as
           that
           worldly
           Contentments
           whereby
           men
           are
           drawn
           off
           from
           close
           walking
           with
           G●d
           ,
           are
           rendred
           sapless
           and
           undesireable
           unto
           them
           .
           Having
           tasted
           of
           the
           Wine
           of
           the
           Gospel
           they
           desire
           no
           other
           ,
           for
           they
           say
           ,
           
             this
             is
             best
          
           .
           So
           was
           it
           with
           the
           Apostles
           upon
           that
           option
           offered
           them
           as
           to
           a
           departure
           from
           Christ
           ,
           upon
           the
           Apostasie
           of
           many
           false
           Professors
           ;
           
             Will
             ye
             go
             away
             also
          
           ?
           Joh.
           6.
           67.
           
           They
           answer
           by
           
             Peter
             ,
             Lord
             ,
             to
             whom
             shall
             we
             go
             ,
             thou
             hast
             the
             words
             of
             eternal
             life
             ?
          
           Vers.
           68.
           
           They
           had
           such
           a
           
             fresh
             savour
          
           and
           relish
           of
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           the
           Grace
           of
           Christ
           upon
           their
           Souls
           ,
           that
           they
           can
           entertain
           no
           thoughts
           of
           declining
           from
           it
           .
           As
           a
           man
           that
           hath
           been
           long
           kept
           in
           a
           dungeon
           ,
           if
           brought
           forth
           on
           a
           sudden
           into
           the
           Light
           of
           the
           Sun
           ,
           finds
           so
           much
           pleasure
           and
           contentment
           in
           it
           ,
           in
           the
           beauties
           of
           the
           old
           Creation
           ,
           that
           he
           thinks
           he
           can
           never
           be
           weary
           of
           it
           ,
           nor
           shall
           ever
           be
           contented
           on
           any
           account
           to
           be
           under
           darkness
           again
           .
           So
           is
           it
           with
           Souls
           when
           first
           transl●ted
           into
           the
           
             marvellous
             Light
          
           of
           Christ
           ,
           to
           behold
           
           the
           beauties
           of
           the
           
             New
             Creation
          
           .
           They
           see
           a
           new
           Glory
           in
           him
           ,
           that
           hath
           quite
           sullied
           the
           desireableness
           of
           all
           earthly
           diversions
           .
           And
           they
           see
           a
           new
           guilt
           and
           filth
           in
           sin
           ,
           that
           gives
           them
           an
           utter
           abhorrency
           of
           its
           old
           delights
           and
           pleasures
           ;
           and
           so
           of
           other
           things
           .
        
         
           Now
           whilest
           these
           and
           the
           
             like
             Springs
          
           are
           kept
           open
           in
           the
           Souls
           of
           converted
           sinners
           ,
           they
           constrain
           them
           to
           a
           vigorous
           active
           Holiness
           .
           They
           can
           never
           
             do
             enough
             for
             God
          
           ;
           so
           that
           oftentimes
           their
           Zeal
           ,
           as
           Saints
           ,
           suffers
           them
           not
           to
           escape
           without
           some
           blots
           on
           their
           Prudence
           
             as
             men
          
           ,
           as
           might
           be
           instanced
           in
           many
           of
           the
           Martyrs
           of
           old
           .
        
         
           This
           then
           is
           the
           first
           ,
           at
           least
           
             one
             way
          
           whereby
           indwelling-sin
           prepares
           men
           for
           decayes
           and
           declensions
           in
           Grace
           and
           Obedience
           :
           It
           endeavours
           to
           stop
           or
           taint
           
             these
             springs
          
           .
           And
           there
           are
           several
           waies
           whereby
           it
           bringeth
           this
           to
           pass
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           It
           works
           by
           sloth
           and
           negligence
           .
           It
           prevails
           in
           the
           Soul
           to
           a
           neglect
           of
           
             stirring
             up
          
           continual
           thoughts
           of
           ,
           or
           about
           the
           things
           that
           so
           powerfully
           influence
           it
           unto
           strict
           and
           fruitful
           obedience
           .
           If
           care
           be
           not
           taken
           ,
           if
           diligence
           and
           watchfulness
           be
           not
           used
           ,
           and
           all
           means
           observed
           that
           are
           appointed
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           keep
           a
           quick
           and
           living
           sense
           of
           them
           upon
           the
           Soul
           ,
           they
           will
           dry
           up
           and
           decay
           ,
           and
           consequently
           that
           Obedience
           that
           should
           spring
           from
           them
           will
           do
           so
           also
           .
           
             Isaac
             digged
             Wells
          
           ,
           but
           the
           Philistins
           stopt
           them
           ,
           and
           his
           Flocks
           had
           no
           benefit
           by
           them
           .
           Let
           the
           heart
           never
           so
           little
           di●use
           it self
           to
           gracious
           soul-affecting
           thoughts
           of
           the
           Love
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           Cross
           of
           
           Christ
           ,
           the
           greatness
           and
           excellency
           of
           Gospel
           mercy
           ,
           the
           beauties
           of
           holiness
           ,
           they
           will
           quickly
           be
           as
           as
           much
           estranged
           to
           a
           man
           ,
           as
           he
           can
           be
           to
           them
           .
           He
           that
           shuts
           his
           eyes
           for
           a
           season
           in
           the
           Sun
           ,
           when
           he
           opens
           them
           again
           can
           see
           nothing
           at
           all
           .
           And
           so
           much
           as
           a
           man
           loseth
           of
           faith
           towards
           these
           things
           ,
           so
           much
           will
           they
           lose
           of
           power
           towards
           him
           .
           They
           can
           do
           little
           or
           nothing
           upon
           him
           ,
           because
           of
           his
           unbelief
           ,
           which
           formerly
           were
           so
           exceedingly
           effectual
           towards
           him
           .
           So
           was
           it
           with
           the
           Spouse
           in
           the
           Canticles
           ,
           chap.
           5.
           2.
           
           Christ
           calls
           unto
           her
           ,
           ver
           .
           1.
           with
           a
           marvellous
           loving
           and
           gracious
           invitation
           unto
           communion
           with
           himself
           .
           She
           who
           had
           formerly
           been
           ravished
           at
           the
           first
           hearing
           of
           that
           
             joyful
             sound
          
           ,
           being
           now
           under
           the
           power
           of
           sloth
           and
           carnal
           ease
           ,
           returns
           a
           sorry
           excusing
           answer
           to
           his
           Call
           ,
           which
           ended
           in
           her
           own
           signal
           loss
           and
           sorrow
           .
           Indwelling-sin
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           prevailing
           by
           
             spiritual
             sloth
          
           upon
           the
           souls
           of
           men
           unto
           an
           inadvertency
           of
           the
           motions
           of
           Gods
           Spirit
           in
           their
           former
           apprehensions
           of
           divine
           Love
           ,
           and
           a
           negligence
           of
           stirring
           up
           continual
           thoughts
           of
           faith
           about
           it
           ,
           a
           decay
           grows
           insensibly
           upon
           the
           whole
           soul.
           Thus
           God
           oft
           complains
           that
           his
           people
           had
           
             forgotten
             him
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           grew
           unmindful
           of
           his
           Love
           and
           Grace
           ,
           which
           was
           the
           beginning
           of
           their
           Apostasie
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           By
           
             unframing
             the
             soul
          
           ,
           so
           that
           it
           shall
           have
           formal
           ,
           weary
           ,
           powerless
           thoughts
           of
           those
           things
           ,
           which
           should
           prevail
           with
           it
           unto
           diligence
           in
           thankful
           obedience
           .
           The
           Apostle
           cautions
           us
           ,
           that
           in
           dealing
           with
           God
           ,
           we
           should
           
             use
             reverence
             and
             godly
             fear
          
           ,
           because
           of
           his
           purity
           ,
           holiness
           ,
           
           and
           Majesty
           ,
           Heb.
           12.
           28
           ,
           29.
           
           And
           this
           is
           that
           which
           the
           Lord
           himself
           spake
           in
           the
           destruction
           of
           Nadab
           and
           
             Abihu
             ,
             I
             will
             be
             sanctified
             in
             them
             that
             come
             to
             me
             ,
          
           Lev.
           10.
           3.
           
           He
           will
           be
           dealt
           withal
           ●in
           an
           awful
           ,
           holy
           ,
           reverent
           manner
           .
           So
           are
           we
           to
           deal
           with
           all
           the
           things
           of
           God
           ,
           wherein
           ,
           or
           whereby
           we
           have
           communion
           with
           him
           .
           The
           soul
           is
           to
           have
           a
           great
           Reverence
           of
           God
           in
           them
           .
           When
           men
           begin
           to
           take
           them
           into
           slight
           and
           
             common
             thoughts
          
           ,
           not
           using
           and
           improving
           them
           unto
           the
           utmost
           for
           the
           ends
           whereunto
           they
           are
           appointed
           ,
           they
           lose
           all
           their
           beauty
           ,
           and
           glory
           ,
           and
           power
           towards
           them
           .
           When
           we
           have
           any
           thing
           to
           do
           wherein
           faith
           and
           love
           towards
           God
           is
           to
           be
           exercised
           ,
           we
           must
           do
           it
           with
           all
           our
           hearts
           ,
           with
           all
           our
           minds
           ,
           strength
           and
           souls
           ,
           not
           slightly
           and
           perfunctorily
           ,
           which
           God
           abhors
           ;
           he
           doth
           not
           only
           require
           that
           we
           bear
           his
           Love
           and
           Grace
           in
           remembrance
           ,
           but
           that
           ,
           as
           much
           as
           in
           us
           lyeth
           ,
           we
           do
           it
           according
           to
           the
           worth
           and
           excellency
           of
           them
           .
           It
           was
           the
           sin
           of
           Hezekiah
           ,
           that
           he
           
             rendred
             not
             again
             according
             to
             the
             benefits
             done
             to
             him
             ,
          
           2
           Chron.
           32.
           25.
           
           So
           whilst
           we
           consider
           Gospel
           truths
           ,
           the
           uttermost
           endeavour
           of
           the
           soul
           ought
           to
           be
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           changed
           into
           the
           same
           image
           or
           likeness
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           3.
           18.
           that
           is
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           have
           their
           full
           power
           and
           effect
           upon
           us
           .
           Otherwise
           James
           tells
           us
           what
           our
           
             beholding
             the
             glory
             of
             the
             Lord
             in
             a
             glass
             ,
          
           there
           mentioned
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           reading
           or
           hearing
           the
           mind
           of
           God
           in
           Christ
           revealed
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           comes
           unto
           ,
           chap.
           1.
           vers
           .
           23
           ,
           24.
           
           
             It
             is
             but
             like
             unto
             a
             man
             beholding
             his
             natural
             face
             in
             a
             glass
             ,
             for
             he
             beholdeth
             
             himself
             and
             goeth
             away
             ,
             and
             streight
             way
             forgetteth
             what
             manner
             of
             man
             he
             was
             .
          
           It
           makes
           no
           impression
           upon
           him
           ,
           begets
           no
           Idea
           nor
           image
           of
           his
           likeness
           in
           his
           imagination
           ,
           because
           he
           doth
           it
           only
           slightly
           ,
           and
           with
           a
           transient
           look
           .
           So
           is
           it
           with
           men
           that
           will
           indeed
           think
           of
           
             Gospel
             truths
          
           ,
           but
           in
           a
           slight
           manner
           ,
           without
           endeavouring
           with
           all
           their
           hearts
           ,
           minds
           ,
           and
           strength
           ,
           to
           have
           them
           ingrafted
           upon
           their
           souls
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           effects
           of
           them
           produced
           in
           them
           .
           Now
           this
           is
           the
           way
           of
           sinners
           ,
           in
           their
           first
           engagements
           unto
           God.
           They
           never
           think
           of
           
             pardoning
             mercy
          
           ,
           but
           they
           labour
           to
           affect
           their
           whole
           souls
           with
           it
           ,
           and
           do
           stir
           up
           themselves
           unto
           suitable
           affections
           and
           returns
           of
           constant
           obedience
           .
           They
           think
           not
           of
           the
           
             Excellency
             of
             Christ
          
           ,
           and
           spiritual
           things
           ,
           now
           newly
           discovered
           unto
           them
           in
           a
           saving
           light
           ,
           but
           they
           press
           with
           all
           their
           might
           after
           a
           farther
           ,
           a
           fuller
           enjoyment
           of
           them
           .
           This
           keeps
           them
           humble
           and
           holy
           ,
           this
           makes
           them
           thankful
           and
           fruitful
           .
           But
           now
           if
           the
           utmost
           diligence
           and
           carefulness
           be
           not
           used
           to
           improve
           and
           grow
           in
           this
           Wisdom
           ,
           to
           keep
           up
           this
           frame
           ,
           indwelling-sin
           working
           by
           the
           
             vanity
             of
             the
             minds
             of
             men
          
           ;
           will
           insensibly
           bring
           them
           to
           content
           themselves
           with
           slight
           and
           rare
           thoughts
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           without
           a
           diligent
           sedulous
           endeavour
           to
           give
           them
           their
           due
           improvement
           upon
           the
           soul.
           As
           men
           decay
           herein
           ,
           so
           they
           will
           assuredly
           decay
           and
           decline
           in
           the
           
             power
             of
             holiness
          
           ,
           and
           close
           walking
           with
           God.
           The
           springs
           being
           stopt
           or
           tainted
           ,
           the
           streams
           will
           not
           run
           so
           swiftly
           ,
           at
           least
           not
           so
           sweetly
           as
           formerly
           .
           Some
           by
           this
           means
           under
           an
           uninterrupted
           
           profession
           ,
           insensibly
           wither
           almost
           into
           nothing
           .
           They
           talk
           of
           Religion
           and
           spiritual
           things
           as
           much
           as
           ever
           they
           did
           in
           their
           lives
           ,
           and
           perform
           duties
           with
           as
           much
           constancy
           as
           ever
           they
           did
           ,
           but
           yet
           have
           poor
           lean
           starvling
           souls
           ,
           as
           to
           any
           real
           and
           effectual
           communion
           with
           God.
           By
           the
           power
           and
           subtilty
           of
           indwelling-sin
           they
           have
           grown
           formal
           ,
           and
           learned
           to
           deal
           about
           spiritual
           things
           in
           an
           overly
           manner
           ,
           whereby
           they
           have
           lost
           all
           their
           life
           ,
           vigour
           ,
           favour
           ,
           and
           efficacy
           towards
           them
           .
           Be
           alwaies
           serious
           in
           spiritual
           things
           ,
           if
           ever
           you
           intend
           to
           be
           bettered
           by
           them
           .
        
         
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             Indwelling-sin
          
           oftentimes
           prevailes
           to
           the
           stopping
           of
           these
           springs
           of
           Gospel
           obedience
           ,
           by
           false
           and
           foolish
           opinions
           ,
           corrupting
           the
           simplicity
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
           False
           opinions
           are
           the
           
             works
             of
             the
             flesh
          
           .
           From
           the
           vanity
           and
           darkness
           of
           the
           minds
           of
           men
           ,
           with
           a
           mixture
           more
           or
           less
           of
           corrupt
           affections
           ,
           do
           they
           mostly
           proceed
           .
           The
           Apostle
           was
           jealous
           over
           his
           Corinthians
           in
           this
           matter
           ,
           he
           was
           afraid
           lest
           their
           minds
           should
           
             by
             any
             means
             be
             corrupted
             from
             the
             simplicity
             that
             is
             in
             Christ
             ,
          
           2
           Cor.
           11.
           2
           ,
           3.
           which
           he
           knew
           would
           be
           attended
           by
           a
           decay
           and
           declension
           in
           faith
           ,
           love
           ,
           and
           obedience
           .
           And
           thus
           matters
           in
           this
           case
           often
           fall
           out
           .
           We
           have
           seen
           some
           ,
           who
           after
           they
           have
           received
           a
           sweet
           taste
           of
           the
           love
           of
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           of
           the
           excellency
           of
           
             pardoning
             mercy
          
           ,
           and
           have
           walked
           humbly
           with
           God
           for
           many
           years
           ,
           in
           the
           faith
           and
           apprehension
           of
           the
           truth
           ,
           have
           by
           the
           corruption
           of
           their
           minds
           from
           the
           simplicity
           that
           is
           in
           Christ
           by
           false
           and
           foolish
           opinions
           ,
           despised
           all
           their
           own
           experiences
           ,
           and
           
           rejected
           all
           the
           efficacy
           of
           truth
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           fartherance
           of
           their
           obedience
           .
           Hence
           John
           cautions
           the
           
             Elect
             Lady
          
           and
           her
           children
           to
           take
           heed
           they
           were
           not
           seduced
           ,
           
             lest
             they
             should
             lose
             the
             things
             that
             they
             had
             wrought
             ,
          
           2
           Epist.
           v.
           8.
           lest
           they
           should
           themselves
           cast
           away
           all
           their
           former
           obedience
           as
           lost
           ,
           and
           a
           thing
           of
           no
           value
           .
           We
           have
           innumerable
           instances
           hereof
           in
           the
           daies
           wherein
           we
           live
           .
           How
           many
           are
           there
           ,
           who
           not
           many
           years
           since
           put
           an
           unspeakable
           value
           
             on
             the
             pardon
             of
             sin
             in
             the
             blood
             of
             Christ
             ,
          
           who
           delighted
           in
           Gospel
           discoveries
           of
           spiritual
           things
           ,
           and
           walked
           in
           obedience
           unto
           God
           on
           the
           account
           of
           them
           ,
           who
           being
           beguiled
           and
           turned
           aside
           from
           the
           truth
           as
           it
           is
           in
           Jesus
           ,
           do
           despise
           these
           springs
           of
           their
           own
           former
           obedience
           ?
           And
           as
           this
           is
           done
           grosly
           and
           openly
           in
           some
           ,
           so
           there
           are
           more
           secret
           and
           more
           plausible
           insinuations
           of
           corrupt
           opinions
           ,
           tainting
           the
           springs
           and
           fountains
           of
           Gospel
           obedience
           ,
           and
           through
           the
           vanity
           of
           mens
           minds
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           principal
           part
           of
           indwelling-sin
           ,
           getting
           ground
           upon
           them
           .
           Such
           are
           all
           those
           that
           tend
           to
           the
           extenuation
           of
           
             special
             Grace
          
           in
           its
           freedom
           ,
           and
           efficacy
           ,
           and
           the
           advancement
           of
           the
           wills
           or
           the
           endeavours
           of
           men
           in
           their
           spiritual
           power
           and
           ability
           :
           They
           are
           all
           
             works
             of
             the
             flesh
          
           ,
           and
           howsoever
           some
           may
           pretend
           an
           usefulness
           in
           them
           to
           the
           
             promotion
             of
             holiness
          
           ,
           they
           will
           be
           found
           to
           
             taint
             the
             springs
          
           of
           true
           Evangelical
           obedience
           ,
           insensibly
           to
           turn
           the
           heart
           from
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           bring
           the
           whole
           soul
           into
           a
           spiritual
           decay
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           is
           one
           way
           whereby
           Indwelling-sin
           produceth
           this
           pernicious
           effect
           ,
           of
           drawing
           men
           
           off
           from
           the
           power
           ,
           purity
           ,
           and
           fruitfulness
           attending
           their
           first
           conversion
           ,
           and
           engagements
           unto
           God
           ,
           bringing
           them
           into
           
             habitual
             declension
          
           ,
           at
           least
           as
           unto
           degrees
           of
           their
           holiness
           and
           grace
           .
           There
           is
           not
           any
           thing
           we
           ought
           to
           be
           more
           watchful
           against
           ,
           if
           we
           intend
           effectually
           to
           deal
           with
           this
           powerful
           and
           subtile
           enemy
           .
           It
           is
           no
           small
           part
           of
           the
           
             wisdom
             of
             faith
          
           ,
           to
           observe
           whether
           Gospel
           truths
           continue
           to
           have
           the
           same
           savour
           unto
           ,
           and
           efficacy
           upon
           the
           soul
           ,
           as
           formerly
           they
           have
           had
           ;
           and
           whether
           an
           indeavour
           be
           maintained
           to
           improve
           them
           continually
           as
           at
           the
           first
           .
           A
           commandment
           that
           is
           alwaies
           practised
           ,
           is
           alwaies
           new
           ,
           as
           John
           speaks
           of
           that
           of
           Love.
           And
           he
           that
           really
           improves
           Gospel
           truths
           ,
           though
           he
           hears
           them
           a
           thousand
           times
           ,
           they
           will
           be
           alwaies
           new
           and
           fresh
           unto
           him
           ,
           because
           they
           put
           him
           on
           newness
           of
           practice
           .
           When
           to
           another
           that
           grows
           common
           under
           them
           ,
           they
           are
           burthensome
           and
           common
           unto
           him
           ;
           and
           he
           even
           loaths
           the
           Manna
           that
           he
           is
           so
           accustomed
           unto
           .
        
         
           
             Secondly
             ,
             Indwelling-sin
          
           doth
           this
           ,
           
             by
             taking
             men
             off
             from
             their
             watch
             against
             the
             returns
             of
             Satan
             .
          
           When
           our
           Lord
           Christ
           comes
           first
           to
           take
           possession
           of
           any
           soul
           for
           himself
           ,
           he
           binds
           that
           
             strong
             man
             and
             spoils
             his
             goods
          
           ;
           he
           deprives
           them
           of
           all
           his
           power
           ,
           dominion
           and
           interest
           .
           Satan
           being
           thus
           dispossest
           and
           frustrated
           in
           his
           hopes
           and
           expectations
           ,
           leaves
           the
           soul
           ,
           as
           finding
           it
           newly
           mortified
           to
           his
           baits
           .
           So
           he
           left
           our
           Saviour
           upon
           his
           first
           fruitless
           attempts
           .
           But
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           
             He
             left
             him
             only
             for
             a
             season
             ,
          
           Luk.
           4.
           13.
           
           He
           intended
           to
           return
           again
           ,
           as
           he
           should
           see
           his
           advantage
           .
           So
           is
           it
           
           with
           Believers
           also
           .
           Being
           cast
           out
           from
           his
           interest
           in
           them
           ,
           he
           leaves
           them
           for
           a
           season
           ,
           at
           least
           comparatively
           he
           doth
           so
           .
           Freed
           from
           his
           assaults
           and
           perplexing
           temptations
           ,
           they
           proceed
           vigorously
           in
           the
           course
           of
           their
           obedience
           ,
           and
           so
           flourish
           in
           the
           waies
           of
           God.
           But
           this
           holds
           not
           ;
           Satan
           returns
           again
           ,
           and
           if
           the
           soul
           stands
           not
           continually
           upon
           his
           guard
           against
           him
           ,
           he
           will
           quickly
           get
           such
           advantages
           ,
           as
           shall
           put
           a
           notable
           interruption
           upon
           his
           fruitfulness
           and
           obedience
           .
           Hence
           some
           ,
           after
           they
           have
           spent
           
             some
             time
          
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           
             some
             years
          
           in
           cheerful
           exemplary
           walking
           with
           God
           ,
           have
           upon
           Satans
           return
           ,
           consumed
           all
           their
           latter
           daies
           in
           wrestling
           with
           perplexing
           temptations
           ,
           wherewith
           he
           hath
           intangled
           them
           .
           Others
           have
           plainly
           fallen
           under
           the
           power
           of
           his
           assaults
           .
           It
           is
           like
           a
           man
           ,
           who
           having
           for
           a
           while
           lived
           usefully
           amongst
           his
           neighbours
           ,
           done
           good
           ,
           and
           communicated
           according
           to
           his
           ability
           ,
           distributing
           to
           the
           poor
           ,
           and
           helping
           all
           round
           about
           him
           ,
           at
           length
           falling
           into
           the
           hands
           of
           vexatious
           ,
           wrangling
           oppressive
           men
           ,
           he
           is
           forced
           to
           spend
           his
           whole
           time
           and
           revenue
           in
           defending
           himself
           against
           them
           at
           Law
           ,
           and
           so
           becomes
           useless
           in
           the
           place
           where
           he
           lives
           .
           So
           is
           it
           with
           many
           a
           Believer
           ;
           after
           he
           hath
           walked
           in
           a
           fruitful
           course
           of
           obedience
           to
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           edification
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           Christ
           ,
           being
           afresh
           set
           upon
           by
           the
           ret●rn
           of
           Satan
           in
           one
           way
           or
           other
           ,
           he
           hath
           enough
           to
           do
           all
           the
           remainder
           of
           his
           life
           to
           keep
           himself
           a●ive
           ;
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           a
           to
           many
           graces
           ,
           wofully
           decaying
           and
           going
           backward
           .
           Now
           this
           also
           ,
           though
           Satan
           hath
           an
           hand
           in
           it
           ,
           is
           from
           
           Indwelling-sin
           :
           I
           mean
           ,
           the
           success
           is
           so
           which
           Satan
           doth
           obtain
           in
           his
           undertaking
           .
           This
           encourageth
           him
           ,
           maketh
           way
           for
           his
           return
           ,
           and
           gives
           entrance
           to
           his
           temptations
           .
           You
           know
           how
           it
           is
           with
           them
           ,
           out
           of
           whom
           he
           is
           cast
           only
           by
           
             Gospel
             conviction
          
           ;
           after
           he
           hath
           wandred
           and
           waited
           awhile
           ,
           he
           saith
           ,
           
             He
             will
             return
             to
             his
             house
             from
             whence
             he
             was
             ejected
             .
          
           And
           what
           is
           the
           issue
           ?
           Carnal
           lusts
           have
           prevailed
           over
           the
           mans
           convictions
           ,
           and
           made
           his
           soul
           fit
           to
           entertain
           
             returning
             devils
          
           .
           It
           is
           so
           as
           to
           the
           measure
           of
           prevalency
           ,
           that
           Satan
           obtains
           against
           Believers
           ,
           upon
           advantages
           administred
           unto
           him
           ,
           by
           sins
           disposing
           the
           soul
           unto
           an
           obnoxiousness
           to
           his
           temptations
           .
        
         
           Now
           the
           way
           and
           means
           whereby
           Indwelling-sin
           doth
           give
           advantage
           to
           Satan
           for
           his
           return
           ,
           are
           all
           those
           which
           dispose
           them
           towards
           a
           declension
           which
           shall
           afterwards
           be
           mentioned
           .
           Satan
           is
           a
           diligent
           ,
           watchful
           ,
           and
           crafty
           adversary
           ,
           he
           will
           neglect
           no
           opportunity
           ,
           no
           advantage
           that
           is
           offered
           unto
           him
           .
           Wherein
           then
           soever
           our
           spiritual
           strength
           is
           impaired
           by
           sin
           ,
           or
           which
           way
           soever
           our
           lusts
           press
           ,
           Satan
           falls
           in
           with
           that
           weakness
           ,
           and
           presseth
           towards
           that
           ruine
           .
           So
           that
           all
           the
           actings
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           are
           subservient
           to
           this
           end
           of
           Satan
           .
           I
           shall
           therefore
           only
           at
           present
           mention
           one
           or
           two
           ,
           that
           seem
           princicipally
           to
           invite
           Satan
           to
           attempt
           a
           return
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           It
           intangleth
           the
           soul
           in
           the
           things
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           all
           which
           are
           so
           many
           Purveyors
           for
           Satan
           .
           When
           Pharaoh
           had
           let
           the
           people
           go
           ,
           he
           heard
           after
           a
           while
           that
           they
           were
           
             intangled
             in
             the
             wilderness
          
           and
           supposeth
           that
           he
           shall
           therefore
           now
           
           overtake
           them
           and
           destroy
           them
           .
           This
           stirs
           him
           up
           to
           pursue
           after
           them
           .
           Satan
           finding
           those
           whom
           he
           hath
           been
           cast
           out
           from
           ,
           intangled
           in
           the
           things
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           by
           which
           he
           is
           sure
           to
           find
           an
           easie
           access
           unto
           them
           ,
           is
           encouraged
           to
           attempt
           upon
           them
           afresh
           ;
           as
           the
           Spider
           to
           come
           down
           upon
           the
           strongest
           flie
           that
           is
           entangled
           in
           his
           web
           .
           For
           he
           comes
           by
           his
           temptations
           only
           to
           impel
           them
           unto
           that
           whereunto
           by
           their
           own
           lusts
           they
           are
           enclined
           ,
           by
           adding
           poison
           to
           their
           lusts
           ,
           and
           painting
           to
           the
           objects
           of
           them
           .
           And
           oftentimes
           by
           this
           advantage
           he
           gets
           so
           in
           upon
           the
           souls
           of
           men
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           never
           well
           free
           of
           him
           more
           whilst
           they
           live
           .
           And
           as
           mens
           diversions
           increase
           from
           the
           world
           ,
           so
           do
           their
           entanglements
           from
           Satan
           .
           When
           they
           have
           more
           to
           do
           in
           the
           world
           than
           they
           can
           well
           manage
           ,
           they
           shall
           have
           more
           to
           do
           from
           Satan
           than
           they
           can
           well
           withstand
           .
           When
           men
           are
           made
           spiritually
           faint
           ,
           by
           dealing
           in
           and
           with
           the
           world
           ,
           Satan
           sets
           on
           them
           a●
           Amalek
           did
           on
           the
           faint
           and
           weak
           of
           the
           people
           that
           came
           out
           of
           Egypt
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           produceth
           this
           effect
           by
           
             making
             the
             soul
             negligent
          
           ,
           and
           taking
           it
           off
           from
           its
           watch
           .
           We
           have
           before
           shew'd
           at
           large
           that
           it
           is
           one
           main
           part
           of
           the
           
             effectual
             deceitfulness
             of
             Indwelling
             sin
          
           ,
           to
           make
           the
           soul
           inadvertent
           ,
           to
           turn
           it
           off
           from
           the
           diligent
           watchful
           attendance
           unto
           its
           duty
           ,
           which
           is
           required
           .
           Now
           there
           is
           not
           any
           thing
           in
           reference
           whereunto
           diligence
           and
           watchfulness
           is
           more
           strictly
           enjoyned
           ;
           than
           the
           
             returning
             assau●ts
          
           of
           Satan
           ,
           1
           Pet.
           5.
           8.
           
           
             Be
             sober
             ,
             be
             vigilant
          
           ;
           and
           why
           so
           ?
           
             because
             of
             your
             adversary
             the
             Devil
             .
          
           Unless
           
           you
           are
           exceeding
           watchful
           ,
           at
           one
           time
           or
           other
           he
           will
           surprize
           you
           .
           And
           all
           the
           injunctions
           of
           our
           blessed
           Saviour
           ,
           to
           watch
           ,
           are
           still
           with
           reference
           unto
           him
           ,
           and
           his
           temptations
           .
           Now
           when
           the
           soul
           is
           made
           careless
           and
           inadvertent
           ,
           forgetting
           what
           an
           enemy
           it
           hath
           to
           deal
           withal
           ,
           or
           is
           lifted
           up
           with
           the
           successes
           it
           hath
           newly
           obtained
           against
           him
           ,
           then
           in
           Satans
           time
           to
           attempt
           a
           re-entrance
           of
           his
           old
           habitation
           ;
           which
           if
           he
           cannot
           obtain
           ,
           yet
           he
           makes
           their
           lives
           uncomfortable
           to
           themselves
           ,
           and
           unfruitful
           to
           others
           ,
           in
           weakening
           their
           root
           ,
           and
           withering
           their
           fruit
           through
           his
           poisoning
           temptations
           .
           He
           comes
           down
           upon
           our
           duties
           of
           obedience
           ,
           as
           the
           fowls
           upon
           Abrahams
           sacrifice
           ,
           that
           if
           we
           watch
           not
           ,
           as
           he
           did
           ,
           to
           drive
           them
           away
           ,
           [
           for
           by
           resistance
           he
           is
           overcome
           and
           put
           to
           flight
           ]
           he
           will
           devour
           them
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Indwelling-sin
           takes
           advantage
           to
           put
           forth
           its
           efficacy
           and
           deceit
           ,
           to
           with-draw
           men
           from
           their
           
             primitive
             zeal
          
           and
           holiness
           ,
           from
           their
           
             first
             faith
             ,
             love
          
           ,
           and
           works
           by
           the
           
             evil
             examples
             of
             Professors
          
           amongst
           whom
           they
           live
           .
           When
           men
           first
           engage
           into
           the
           ways
           of
           God
           ,
           they
           have
           a
           
             reverent
             esteem
          
           of
           those
           whom
           they
           believe
           to
           have
           been
           made
           partakers
           of
           that
           mercy
           before
           themselves
           ;
           these
           they
           love
           and
           honour
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           their
           duty
           .
           But
           after
           a
           while
           they
           find
           many
           of
           them
           walking
           in
           many
           things
           
             unevenly
             ,
             crookedly
          
           ,
           &
           not
           unlike
           the
           men
           of
           the
           world
           .
           Here
           sin
           is
           not
           wanting
           to
           its
           advantage
           .
           Insensibly
           it
           prevails
           with
           men
           to
           a
           compliance
           with
           them
           .
           This
           way
           ,
           this
           course
           of
           walking
           ,
           doth
           
             well
             enough
          
           with
           others
           ,
           why
           may
           it
           not
           do
           so
           with
           us
           also
           ?
           Such
           is
           the
           
           inward
           thought
           of
           many
           ,
           that
           works
           effectually
           in
           them
           .
           And
           so
           through
           the
           craft
           of
           sin
           ,
           the
           generation
           of
           Professors
           corrupt
           one
           another
           .
           As
           a
           stream
           arising
           from
           a
           clear
           spring
           or
           fountain
           ,
           whilst
           it
           runs
           in
           its
           own
           peculiar
           channel
           ,
           and
           keeps
           its
           water
           unmixed
           ,
           preserves
           its
           purity
           and
           cleanness
           ,
           but
           when
           it
           falls
           in
           its
           course
           with
           other
           streams
           that
           are
           turbid
           and
           foul
           ,
           though
           running
           the
           same
           way
           with
           it
           ,
           it
           becomes
           muddy
           and
           discoloured
           also
           .
           So
           is
           it
           in
           this
           case
           .
           Believers
           come
           forth
           from
           the
           spring
           of
           the
           
             New
             birth
          
           with
           some
           purity
           and
           cleanness
           ,
           this
           for
           a
           while
           they
           keep
           in
           the
           course
           of
           their
           private
           walking
           with
           God
           ;
           but
           now
           when
           they
           come
           sometimes
           to
           fall
           into
           society
           with
           others
           ,
           whose
           profession
           flows
           &
           runs
           the
           same
           way
           with
           theirs
           ,
           even
           towards
           heaven
           ,
           but
           yet
           are
           mudded
           and
           sullied
           with
           sin
           and
           the
           world
           ,
           they
           are
           often
           corrupted
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           by
           them
           ,
           and
           so
           decline
           from
           their
           first
           purity
           ,
           faith
           ,
           and
           holiness
           .
           Now
           lest
           this
           may
           have
           been
           the
           case
           of
           any
           who
           shall
           read
           this
           discourse
           ,
           I
           shall
           add
           some
           few
           cautions
           that
           are
           necessary
           to
           preserve
           men
           from
           this
           infection
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           In
           the
           
             body
             of
             Professors
          
           there
           is
           a
           great
           number
           of
           hypocrites
           .
           Though
           we
           cannot
           say
           of
           this
           or
           that
           man
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           so
           ,
           yet
           that
           some
           there
           are
           ,
           is
           most
           certain
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           hath
           told
           us
           that
           it
           will
           be
           so
           to
           the
           end
           of
           the
           world
           .
           All
           that
           have
           Oyl
           in
           their
           Lamps
           ,
           have
           it
           not
           in
           their
           vessels
           .
           Let
           men
           take
           heed
           how
           they
           give
           themselves
           up
           unto
           a
           conformity
           to
           the
           Professors
           they
           meet
           withal
           ,
           lest
           instead
           of
           Saints
           and
           the
           best
           of
           men
           ,
           they
           sometimes
           propose
           for
           their
           example
           hypocrites
           ,
           
           which
           are
           the
           worst
           ,
           and
           when
           they
           think
           they
           are
           like
           unto
           them
           who
           bare
           the
           
             image
             of
             God
          
           ,
           they
           conform
           themselves
           to
           those
           ,
           who
           bare
           the
           
             Image
             of
             Satan
          
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           You
           know
           not
           what
           may
           be
           the
           
             present
             temptations
          
           of
           those
           whose
           ways
           you
           observe
           .
           It
           may
           be
           they
           are
           under
           some
           
             peculiar
             desertion
          
           from
           God
           ,
           and
           so
           are
           withering
           for
           a
           season
           ,
           untill
           he
           send
           them
           some
           
             refreshing
             powers
          
           from
           above
           .
           It
           may
           be
           they
           are
           intangled
           with
           some
           
             special
             corruptions
          
           ,
           which
           is
           their
           burthen
           ,
           tat
           you
           know
           not
           of
           ;
           and
           for
           any
           voluntarily
           to
           fall
           into
           such
           a
           frame
           ,
           as
           others
           are
           cast
           into
           by
           the
           power
           of
           their
           temptations
           ,
           or
           to
           think
           that
           will
           suffice
           in
           them
           ,
           which
           they
           see
           to
           suffice
           in
           others
           whose
           distempers
           they
           know
           not
           ,
           is
           folly
           and
           presumption
           .
           He
           that
           knows
           such
           or
           such
           a
           person
           to
           be
           a
           living
           Man
           ,
           and
           of
           an
           healthy
           constitution
           ,
           if
           he
           see
           him
           go
           crawling
           up
           and
           down
           about
           his
           affairs
           ,
           feeble
           and
           weak
           ,
           sometimes
           falling
           ,
           sometimes
           standing
           ,
           and
           making
           small
           progress
           in
           any
           thing
           ,
           will
           he
           think
           it
           sufficient
           for
           himself
           to
           do
           so
           also
           ?
           will
           he
           not
           inquire
           whether
           the
           person
           he
           sees
           ,
           have
           not
           lately
           fallen
           into
           some
           distemper
           or
           sickness
           ,
           that
           hath
           weakened
           him
           ,
           and
           brought
           him
           into
           that
           condition
           ?
           Assuredly
           he
           will
           so
           do
           .
           Take
           heed
           ,
           Christians
           ,
           many
           of
           the
           Professors
           with
           whom
           ye
           do
           converse
           are
           sick
           ,
           and
           wounded
           ;
           the
           wounds
           of
           some
           of
           them
           do
           
             stink
             ,
             and
             are
             corrupt
             because
             of
             their
             folly
             .
          
           If
           you
           have
           any
           
             spiritual
             health
          
           ,
           do
           not
           think
           their
           weak
           and
           uneven
           walking
           will
           be
           accepted
           at
           your
           hands
           ;
           much
           less
           ●●ink
           it
           will
           
           be
           well
           for
           you
           to
           become
           sick
           and
           to
           be
           wounded
           also
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Remember
           that
           of
           many
           of
           the
           
             best
             Christians
          
           ,
           the
           worst
           only
           is
           known
           and
           seen
           .
           Many
           who
           keep
           up
           precious
           Communion
           with
           God
           ,
           do
           yet
           oftentimes
           by
           their
           
             natural
             temper●
          
           of
           freedom
           or
           passion
           ,
           not
           carry
           so
           glorious
           appearances
           as
           others
           ,
           who
           perhaps
           come
           short
           of
           them
           in
           Grace
           and
           the
           power
           of
           Godliness
           .
           In
           respect
           of
           their
           outward
           Conversation
           it
           may
           seem
           they
           are
           scarcely
           saved
           ,
           when
           in
           respect
           of
           their
           
             Faith
             and
             Love
          
           they
           may
           be
           eminent
           .
           They
           may
           ,
           as
           the
           
             Kings
             Daughter
          
           ,
           be
           all
           glorious
           within
           ,
           though
           their
           
             Cloaths
             be
             not
             alwayes
             of
             wrought
             Gold.
          
           Take
           heed
           then
           that
           you
           be
           not
           infected
           with
           their
           worst
           ,
           when
           ye
           are
           not
           able
           it
           may
           be
           to
           imitate
           them
           in
           their
           best
           ;
           but
           to
           return
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           Sin
           doth
           this
           work
           by
           
             cherishing
             some
             secret
             particular
             lust
             in
             the
             heart
             .
          
           This
           the
           soul
           contends
           against
           faintly
           ,
           It
           
             contends
             against
          
           it
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           sincerity
           ,
           it
           cannot
           but
           do
           so
           ;
           but
           it
           doth
           not
           make
           through-work
           vigorously
           to
           mortifie
           it
           by
           the
           strength
           and
           power
           of
           Grace
           .
           Now
           where
           it
           is
           thus
           with
           the
           Soul
           ,
           an
           
             habitual
             dec●ension
          
           as
           to
           holiness
           will
           assuredly
           ensue
           .
           David
           shews
           us
           how
           in
           his
           
             first
             days
          
           he
           kept
           his
           heart
           close
           unto
           God
           ,
           Psal
           18.
           23.
           
           
             I
             was
             upright
             before
             him
             ,
             〈◊〉
             I
             kept
             my self
             from
             mine
             iniquity
             .
          
           His
           great
           care
           was
           lest
           any
           
             one
             lust
          
           should
           prevail
           in
           him
           ,
           or
           upon
           him
           ,
           that
           might
           be
           called
           
             his
             iniquity
          
           in
           s●
           
             peculiar
             manner
          
           .
           The
           same
           course
           steer'd
           Paul
           also
           ●
           Cor.
           9.
           27
           ▪
           he
           was
           in
           
             danger
             to
             be
             lifted
             up
          
           by
           his
           spiritua●●evelations
           and
           Enjoyments
           .
           This
           
           makes
           him
           keep
           
             his
             body
             in
             subjection
          
           ,
           that
           no
           carnal
           reasonings
           or
           vain
           imagination
           might
           take
           place
           in
           him
           .
           But
           where
           
             indwelling
             Sin
          
           hath
           provoked
           ,
           irritated
           ,
           and
           given
           strength
           unto
           a
           
             special
             lust
          
           ,
           it
           proves
           assuredly
           a
           
             Principal
             Means
          
           of
           a
           general
           declension
           .
           For
           as
           an
           infirmity
           and
           weakness
           in
           any
           one
           vital
           part
           ,
           will
           make
           the
           whole
           body
           consumptive
           ,
           so
           will
           the
           
             weakness
             in
             any
             one
             Grace
          
           ,
           which
           a
           perplexing
           lust
           brings
           with
           it
           ,
           make
           the
           Soul.
           It
           every
           way
           weakens
           spiritual
           strength
           .
           It
           weakens
           Confidence
           in
           God
           in
           Faith
           and
           Prayer
           .
           The
           knees
           will
           be
           feeble
           ,
           and
           the
           hands
           will
           hang
           down
           in
           dealing
           with
           God
           ,
           where
           a
           galling
           and
           unmortified
           lust
           lies
           in
           the
           heart
           .
           It
           will
           take
           
             such
             hold
             upon
             the
             soul
             ,
             that
             it
             shall
             not
             be
             able
             to
             look
             up
             ,
          
           Psal.
           40.
           12.
           
           It
           darkens
           the
           mind
           by
           
             innumerable
             foolish
             imaginations
          
           ,
           which
           it
           stirs
           up
           to
           make
           provision
           for
           its
           self
           .
           It
           galls
           the
           Conscience
           with
           those
           spots
           and
           stains
           ,
           which
           in
           and
           by
           its
           actings
           it
           brings
           upon
           the
           soul.
           It
           contends
           in
           the
           Will
           for
           Rule
           and
           Dominion
           :
           An
           
             active
             stirring
             corruption
          
           would
           have
           the
           commanding
           power
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           ever
           and
           anon
           ready
           to
           take
           the
           Throne
           .
           It
           disturbs
           the
           thoughts
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           will
           even
           frighten
           the
           soul
           from
           dealing
           with
           it
           by
           meditation
           ,
           lest
           corrupt
           affections
           being
           entangled
           by
           it
           ,
           Grace
           loses
           ground
           instead
           of
           prevailing
           .
           It
           breaks
           out
           oftentimes
           into
           scandalous
           sins
           ,
           as
           it
           did
           in
           David
           and
           Hezekiah
           ,
           and
           loads
           the
           sinner
           with
           sorrow
           and
           discouragemen
           .
           By
           these
           and
           the
           like
           means
           it
           becomes
           to
           the
           soul
           like
           a
           
             moth
             in
             a
             garment
          
           ,
           to
           eat
           up
           and
           devour
           the
           strongest
           threeds
           of
           it
           ,
           so
           
           that
           though
           the
           whole
           hang
           loose
           together
           ,
           it
           is
           easily
           torn
           in
           pieces
           .
           Though
           the
           soul
           with
           whom
           it
           is
           thus
           ,
           do
           for
           a
           season
           keep
           up
           a
           
             fair
             profession
          
           ,
           yet
           his
           strength
           is
           secretly
           devoured
           ;
           and
           every
           temptation
           tears
           and
           rents
           his
           Conscience
           at
           pleasure
           .
           It
           becomes
           with
           such
           Men
           as
           it
           is
           with
           some
           who
           have
           for
           a
           many
           years
           been
           of
           a
           sound
           strong
           athletick
           constitution
           .
           Some
           secret
           
             hectical
             distemper
          
           seizeth
           on
           them
           :
           For
           a
           season
           they
           take
           no
           notice
           of
           it
           ;
           or
           if
           they
           do
           ,
           they
           think
           they
           shall
           do
           well
           enough
           with
           it
           ,
           and
           easily
           shake
           it
           off
           when
           they
           have
           a
           little
           leasure
           to
           attend
           unto
           it
           :
           But
           for
           the
           present
           they
           think
           as
           Sampson
           with
           his
           locks
           cut
           ,
           they
           will
           do
           as
           at
           other
           times
           .
           Sometimes
           it
           may
           be
           they
           complain
           that
           they
           are
           not
           well
           ,
           they
           know
           not
           what
           aileth
           them
           ,
           and
           it
           may
           be
           rise
           violently
           in
           an
           opposition
           to
           their
           distemper
           ;
           but
           after
           a
           while
           strugling
           in
           vain
           ,
           the
           vigour
           of
           their
           spirits
           and
           strength
           failing
           them
           ,
           they
           are
           forced
           to
           yield
           to
           the
           power
           of
           a
           consumption
           .
           And
           now
           all
           they
           can
           do
           is
           little
           enough
           to
           keep
           them
           alive
           .
           It
           is
           so
           with
           Men
           brought
           into
           
             spiritual
             decays
          
           by
           any
           secret
           perplexing
           corruption
           .
           It
           may
           be
           they
           have
           had
           a
           vigorous
           principle
           of
           obedience
           and
           holiness
           :
           
             Indwelling
             Sin
          
           watching
           its
           opportunities
           ,
           by
           some
           temptation
           or
           other
           ,
           hath
           kindled
           and
           inflamed
           some
           particular
           lust
           in
           them
           .
           For
           a
           while
           it
           may
           be
           they
           take
           little
           notice
           of
           it
           .
           Somtimes
           they
           complain
           ,
           but
           think
           they
           will
           do
           as
           in
           former
           times
           ,
           untill
           being
           insensibly
           weakned
           in
           their
           spiritual
           strength
           ,
           they
           hav●
           work
           enough
           to
           do
           in
           keeping
           alive
           what
           remains
           and
           is
           ready
           to
           dye
           ,
           Hos.
           5.
           13.
           
           
           I
           shall
           not
           add
           any
           thing
           here
           as
           to
           the
           prevention
           and
           obviating
           this
           advantage
           of
           Indwelling-sin
           ,
           having
           elsewhere
           treated
           of
           it
           peculiarly
           and
           apart
           .
        
         
           Fifthly
           ,
           It
           works
           by
           
             negligence
             of
             private
             conmunion
             with
             God
             in
             Prayer
             and
             Meditation
             .
          
           I
           have
           shewed
           before
           how
           
             Indwelling
             Sin
          
           puts
           forth
           its
           deceitfulness
           in
           diverting
           the
           soul
           from
           watchfulness
           in
           and
           unto
           these
           duties
           .
           Here
           if
           it
           prevails
           ,
           it
           will
           not
           fail
           to
           induce
           an
           
             habitual
             declension
          
           in
           the
           whole
           course
           of
           Obedience
           .
           All
           neglect
           of
           private
           duties
           is
           principled
           by
           a
           weariness
           of
           God
           as
           he
           complaineth
           ,
           Isa.
           43.
           22.
           
           
             Thou
             hast
             not
             called
             upon
             Me
             ,
             thou
             hast
             been
             weary
             of
             Me.
          
           Neglect
           of
           invocation
           proceeds
           from
           weariness
           .
           And
           where
           there
           is
           weariness
           ,
           there
           will
           be
           withdrawing
           from
           that
           whereof
           we
           are
           weary
           .
           Now
           God
           alone
           being
           the
           fountain
           and
           spring
           of
           spiritual
           life
           ,
           if
           there
           be
           a
           weariness
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           withdrawing
           from
           him
           ,
           it
           is
           impossible
           but
           that
           there
           will
           
             a
             decay
          
           in
           the
           Life
           ensue
           .
           Indeed
           what
           men
           are
           in
           
             these●
             duties
          
           ,
           I
           mean
           as
           to
           Faith
           and
           Love
           in
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           and
           no
           more
           .
           Here
           lies
           the
           root
           of
           their
           obedience
           ,
           and
           if
           this
           fail
           all
           fruit
           will
           quickly
           fail
           .
           You
           may
           sometimes
           see
           a
           Tree
           flourishing
           with
           leaves
           and
           fruit
           goodly
           and
           pleasant
           .
           After
           a
           while
           the
           leaves
           begin
           to
           decay
           ,
           the
           fruit
           to
           wither
           ,
           the
           whole
           to
           droop
           .
           Search
           ,
           and
           you
           shall
           find
           the
           root
           ,
           whereby
           it
           should
           draw
           in
           moisture
           and
           fatness
           from
           the
           Earth
           to
           supply
           the
           body
           and
           branches
           with
           sap
           and
           juice
           for
           growth
           and
           fruit
           ,
           hath
           received
           a
           wound
           ,
           is
           some
           way
           perished
           ,
           and
           doth
           not
           perform
           its
           duty
           ,
           so
           that
           
           though
           the
           branches
           are
           flourishing
           a
           while
           with
           what
           they
           had
           received
           their
           sustenance
           being
           intercepted
           they
           must
           decay
           .
           So
           it
           is
           here
           .
           These
           duties
           of
           private
           Communion
           with
           God
           ,
           are
           the
           means
           of
           receiving
           supplies
           of
           
             spiritual
             strength
          
           from
           him
           ;
           of
           sap
           &
           fatness
           from
           Christ
           the
           Vine
           and
           Olive
           .
           Whilest
           they
           do
           so
           ,
           the
           conversation
           and
           course
           of
           obedience
           flourisheth
           and
           is
           fruitful
           ,
           all
           outward
           duties
           are
           chearfully
           and
           regularly
           performed
           .
           But
           if
           there
           be
           a
           wound
           ,
           a
           defect
           ,
           a
           failing
           in
           that
           which
           should
           first
           take
           in
           the
           
             spiritual
             radical
             moisture
          
           ,
           that
           should
           be
           communicated
           unto
           the
           whole
           ,
           the
           rest
           may
           for
           a
           season
           maintain
           their
           station
           and
           appearance
           ,
           but
           after
           a
           while
           profession
           will
           wither
           ,
           fruits
           will
           decay
           ,
           and
           the
           whole
           be
           ready
           to
           die
           .
           Hence
           our
           Saviour
           lets
           us
           know
           ,
           Matth.
           6.
           6.
           what
           a
           man
           is
           
             in
             secret
          
           ,
           in
           these
           private
           duties
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           in
           the
           eyes
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           no
           more
           .
           And
           one
           reason
           amongst
           others
           is
           ,
           because
           they
           have
           a
           more
           vigorous
           acting
           of
           
             unmixed
             grace
          
           than
           any
           other
           duties
           whatever
           .
           In
           all
           or
           most
           particular
           duties
           ,
           besides
           the
           influence
           that
           they
           may
           have
           from
           carnal
           respects
           ,
           which
           are
           many
           ,
           and
           the
           wayes
           of
           their
           insinuation
           subtile
           ,
           and
           imperceptible
           ,
           there
           is
           an
           allay
           of
           gifts
           ,
           which
           sometime
           even
           devours
           the
           pure
           Gold
           of
           Grace
           which
           should
           be
           the
           chief
           and
           Principal
           in
           them
           .
           In
           these
           ,
           there
           is
           immediate
           entercourse
           between
           God
           ,
           and
           that
           which
           is
           of
           himself
           in
           the
           soul.
           If
           once
           sin
           by
           its
           deceits
           and
           treacheries
           ,
           prevail
           to
           take
           off
           the
           Soul
           from
           
             diligent
             attendance
          
           unto
           Communion
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           constancy
           in
           these
           duties
           ,
           it
           will
           
           not
           fail
           to
           effect
           a
           declining
           in
           the
           whole
           of
           a
           mans
           obedience
           .
           It
           hath
           made
           its
           entrance
           ,
           and
           will
           assuredly
           make
           good
           its
           progress
           .
        
         
           Sixthly
           ,
           Growing
           in
           
             Notions
             of
             Truth
             without
             answerable
             practice
             ,
          
           is
           another
           thing
           that
           Indwelling-sin
           makes
           use
           to
           bring
           the
           souls
           of
           Believers
           under
           a
           decay
           .
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           
             knowledge
             puffeth
             up
          
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           8.
           1.
           
           If
           it
           be
           alone
           ,
           not
           improved
           in
           practice
           ,
           it
           
             swells
             men
          
           beyond
           a
           due
           proportion
           .
           Like
           a
           man
           that
           hath
           a
           Dropsie
           ,
           we
           are
           not
           to
           expect
           that
           he
           hath
           strength
           to
           his
           bigness
           .
           Like
           trees
           that
           are
           continually
           
             running
             up
             an
             head
          
           ,
           which
           keeps
           them
           from
           bearing
           fruit
           .
           When
           once
           men
           have
           attained
           to
           this
           ,
           that
           they
           can
           entertain
           and
           receive
           
             Evangelical
             truths
          
           in
           a
           new
           and
           more
           Glorious
           light
           ,
           or
           more
           clear
           discovery
           than
           formerly
           ,
           or
           new
           manifestations
           of
           Truth
           which
           they
           knew
           not
           before
           ,
           and
           please
           themselves
           in
           so
           doing
           ,
           without
           
             diligent
             endeavors
          
           to
           have
           the
           power
           of
           those
           truths
           and
           notions
           upon
           their
           hearts
           and
           their
           souls
           made
           conformable
           unto
           them
           ,
           they
           generally
           learn
           so
           to
           dispose
           of
           all
           truths
           formerly
           known
           ,
           which
           were
           sometimes
           inlaid
           in
           their
           hearts
           with
           more
           efficacy
           and
           power
           .
           This
           hath
           proved
           ,
           if
           not
           the
           ruine
           ,
           yet
           the
           great
           impairing
           of
           many
           in
           these
           
             days
             of
             light
          
           wherein
           we
           live
           .
           By
           this
           means
           from
           humble
           close
           walking
           ,
           many
           have
           withered
           into
           an
           empty
           ,
           barren
           ,
           talking
           profession
           .
           All
           things
           almost
           have
           in
           a
           short
           season
           become
           alike
           unto
           them
           :
           Have
           they
           been
           true
           or
           false
           ,
           so
           they
           might
           be
           debating
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           disputing
           about
           them
           ,
           all
           is
           well
           .
           This
           is
           
             food
             for
             sin
          
           ,
           it
           hatcheth
           ,
           increaseth
           
           it
           ,
           and
           is
           increased
           by
           it
           .
           A
           notable
           way
           it
           is
           for
           the
           vanity
           that
           is
           in
           the
           mind
           ,
           to
           exert
           it self
           without
           a
           rebuke
           from
           conscience
           .
           Whilst
           men
           are
           talking
           ,
           and
           writing
           ,
           and
           studying
           about
           Religion
           ,
           and
           hearing
           Preaching
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           with
           great
           delight
           ,
           as
           those
           in
           
             Ezekiel
             chap.
          
           33.
           32.
           
           Conscience
           .
           unless
           throughly
           awake
           and
           circumspect
           ,
           and
           furnished
           with
           spiritual
           wisdom
           and
           care
           ,
           will
           be
           very
           well
           pacified
           ,
           and
           enter
           no
           rebukes
           or
           pleas
           against
           the
           way
           that
           the
           soul
           is
           in
           .
           But
           yet
           all
           this
           may
           be
           nothing
           but
           the
           acting
           of
           that
           
             natural
             vanity
          
           which
           lies
           in
           the
           mind
           ,
           and
           is
           a
           principal
           part
           of
           the
           sin
           we
           treat
           of
           .
           And
           generally
           this
           is
           so
           ,
           when
           men
           content
           themselves
           ,
           as
           was
           said
           ,
           with
           the
           notions
           of
           truth
           ,
           without
           labouring
           after
           an
           experience
           of
           the
           power
           of
           them
           in
           their
           hearts
           ,
           and
           the
           bringing
           forth
           the
           fruit
           of
           them
           in
           their
           lives
           ,
           on
           which
           a
           decay
           must
           needs
           ensue
           .
        
         
           
             Seventhly
             ,
             Growth
             in
             carnal
             wisdom
          
           is
           another
           help
           to
           sin
           in
           producing
           this
           sad
           effect
           .
           
             Thy
             wisdom
             and
             thy
             knowledge
          
           ,
           saith
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           
             hath
             perverted
             thee
             ,
             Isa.
          
           47.
           10.
           
           So
           much
           as
           
             carnal
             wisdom
          
           increaseth
           ,
           so
           much
           faith
           decays
           .
           The
           proper
           work
           of
           it
           is
           to
           teach
           a
           man
           
             to
             trust
             to
             and
             in
             himself
             ,
          
           of
           faith
           to
           trust
           wholly
           in
           another
           .
           So
           it
           labours
           to
           destroy
           the
           whole
           work
           of
           faith
           ,
           by
           causing
           the
           soul
           to
           return
           into
           a
           deceiving
           fulness
           of
           his
           own
           .
           We
           have
           woful
           examples
           of
           the
           prevalency
           of
           this
           principle
           of
           declension
           in
           the
           days
           werein
           we
           live
           .
           How
           many
           a
           poor
           ,
           humble
           ,
           broken
           hearted
           creature
           ,
           who
           followed
           after
           God
           in
           simplicity
           and
           integrity
           of
           spirit
           ,
           have
           we
           seen
           ,
           through
           the
           observation
           of
           the
           ways
           and
           walkings
           
           of
           others
           ,
           and
           closing
           with
           the
           temptations
           to
           craft
           and
           subtilty
           ,
           which
           opportunities
           in
           the
           world
           have
           administred
           unto
           them
           ,
           come
           to
           be
           dipt
           in
           a
           
             worldly
             carnal
             frame
          
           ,
           and
           utterly
           to
           wither
           in
           their
           profession
           .
           Many
           are
           so
           sullied
           hereby
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           not
           to
           be
           known
           to
           be
           the
           men
           they
           were
           .
        
         
           
             Eightly
             ,
             Some
             great
             sin
             lying
             long
             in
             the
             heart
             and
             conscience
             unrepented
             of
             ,
          
           or
           not
           repented
           of
           as
           it
           ought
           ,
           and
           as
           the
           matter
           requires
           ,
           furthers
           indwelling-sin
           in
           this
           work
           .
           The
           great
           turn
           of
           the
           life
           of
           David
           ,
           whence
           his
           
             first
             ways
          
           carried
           the
           reputation
           ,
           was
           in
           the
           harbouring
           his
           great
           sin
           in
           his
           conscience
           without
           suitable
           repentance
           .
           It
           was
           otherwise
           we
           know
           with
           Peter
           ,
           and
           he
           had
           another
           issue
           .
           A
           great
           sin
           will
           certainly
           give
           a
           great
           turn
           to
           the
           life
           of
           a
           Professor
           .
           If
           it
           be
           well
           cured
           in
           the
           blood
           of
           Christ
           ,
           with
           that
           humiliation
           which
           the
           Gospel
           requires
           ,
           it
           often
           proves
           a
           means
           of
           more
           watchfulness
           ,
           fruitfulness
           ,
           humility
           ,
           and
           contentation
           ,
           than
           ever
           the
           soul
           before
           obtained
           .
           If
           it
           be
           neglected
           ,
           it
           certainly
           
             hardens
             the
             heart
          
           ,
           weakens
           spiritual
           strength
           ,
           enfeebles
           the
           soul
           ,
           discouraging
           it
           unto
           all
           communion
           with
           God
           ,
           and
           is
           a
           notable
           principle
           of
           a
           general
           decay
           .
           So
           David
           complains
           ,
           Ps.
           38.
           5.
           
           
             My
             wounds
             stink
             and
             are
             corrupt
             because
             of
             my
             foolishness
             .
          
           His
           present
           distemper
           was
           not
           so
           much
           from
           his
           sin
           ,
           as
           his
           folly
           ,
           not
           so
           much
           from
           the
           wounds
           he
           had
           received
           ,
           as
           from
           his
           neglect
           to
           make
           a
           timely
           application
           for
           their
           cure
           .
           It
           is
           like
           a
           
             broken
             bone
          
           ,
           which
           being
           well
           set
           ,
           leaves
           the
           place
           stronger
           than
           before
           ;
           if
           otherwise
           ,
           makes
           the
           man
           a
           Cripple
           
           all
           his
           days
           .
           These
           things
           we
           do
           but
           briefly
           name
           ,
           and
           sundry
           other
           advantages
           of
           the
           like
           nature
           that
           sin
           makes
           use
           of
           to
           produce
           this
           effect
           ,
           might
           also
           be
           instanced
           in
           ;
           but
           these
           may
           suffice
           unto
           our
           present
           purpose
           .
           What
           ever
           it
           useth
           ,
           it self
           is
           still
           the
           principle
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           no
           small
           demonstration
           of
           its
           efficacy
           and
           power
           .
        
      
       
         
           CHAP.
           XVI
           .
        
         
           
             The
             strength
             of
             Indwelling-sin
             ,
             manifested
             from
             its
             power
             and
             effects
             in
             persons
             unregenerate
             .
          
        
         
           IT
           is
           of
           the
           power
           and
           efficacy
           of
           Indwelling-sin
           ,
           as
           it
           remains
           in
           several
           degrees
           in
           Believers
           that
           we
           are
           treating
           .
           Now
           I
           have
           else-where
           shewed
           ,
           that
           the
           nature
           and
           all
           the
           natural
           properties
           of
           it
           do
           still
           remain
           in
           them
           .
           Though
           therefore
           we
           cannot
           prove
           directly
           what
           is
           the
           strength
           of
           sin
           in
           them
           ,
           from
           what
           its
           power
           is
           in
           those
           ,
           in
           whom
           it
           is
           only
           checked
           and
           not
           at
           all
           weakned
           ;
           yet
           may
           we
           from
           an
           observation
           thereof
           caution
           Believers
           of
           the
           real
           power
           of
           that
           
             mortal
             enemy
          
           with
           whom
           they
           have
           to
           do
           .
        
         
           If
           the
           Plague
           do
           violently
           rage
           in
           one
           City
           ,
           destroying
           multitudes
           ,
           and
           there
           be
           in
           another
           an
           infection
           of
           the
           same
           kind
           ,
           which
           yet
           arises
           not
           unto
           that
           height
           and
           fury
           there
           ,
           by
           reason
           of
           the
           correction
           that
           it
           meets
           withal
           from
           a
           
             better
             air
          
           ,
           and
           remedies
           used
           ;
           yet
           a
           man
           may
           demonstrate
           
           unto
           the
           Inhabitants
           the
           force
           and
           danger
           of
           that
           Infection
           got
           in
           among
           them
           ,
           by
           the
           effects
           that
           it
           hath
           and
           doth
           produce
           among
           others
           ,
           who
           have
           not
           the
           benefit
           of
           the
           preventives
           and
           preservatives
           which
           they
           enjoy
           ;
           which
           will
           both
           teach
           them
           to
           value
           the
           means
           of
           their
           preservation
           ,
           and
           be
           the
           more
           watchful
           against
           the
           power
           of
           the
           infection
           that
           is
           among
           them
           .
           It
           is
           so
           in
           this
           case
           .
           Believers
           may
           be
           taught
           what
           is
           the
           power
           and
           efficacy
           of
           that
           
             plague
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           which
           is
           in
           and
           among
           them
           ,
           by
           the
           effects
           the
           same
           plague
           produceth
           in
           and
           among
           others
           ,
           who
           have
           not
           those
           corrections
           of
           its
           poyson
           ,
           and
           those
           preservatives
           from
           death
           which
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           hath
           furnished
           them
           withal
           .
        
         
           Having
           then
           fixed
           on
           the
           Demonstration
           of
           the
           power
           of
           sin
           ,
           from
           the
           effects
           it
           doth
           produce
           ,
           and
           having
           given
           a
           double
           instance
           hereof
           in
           Believers
           themselves
           ,
           I
           shall
           now
           farther
           evidence
           the
           same
           truth
           ,
           or
           pursue
           the
           same
           evidence
           of
           it
           ,
           by
           shewing
           somewhat
           of
           the
           power
           that
           it
           acteth
           in
           them
           who
           are
           unregenerate
           ,
           and
           so
           have
           not
           the
           remedies
           against
           it
           which
           Believers
           are
           furnished
           withal
           .
        
         
           I
           shall
           not
           handle
           the
           
             whole
             power
             of
             sin
          
           in
           unregenerate
           persons
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           very
           large
           field
           ,
           and
           not
           the
           business
           I
           have
           in
           hand
           ;
           but
           only
           by
           some
           
             few
             instances
          
           of
           its
           effects
           in
           them
           ,
           intimate
           ,
           as
           I
           said
           ,
           unto
           Believers
           ,
           what
           they
           have
           to
           deal
           withal
           .
        
         
           First
           then
           ,
           it
           appears
           in
           the
           violence
           it
           offers
           to
           the
           nature
           of
           man
           ,
           compelling
           them
           unto
           sins
           ,
           fully
           contrary
           to
           all
           the
           principles
           of
           the
           reasonable
           
           nature
           wherewith
           they
           are
           endued
           from
           God.
           Every
           creature
           of
           God
           hath
           in
           its
           creation
           ,
           a
           
             Law
             of
             operation
          
           implanted
           in
           it
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           rule
           of
           all
           that
           proceedeth
           from
           it
           ,
           of
           all
           that
           it
           doth
           of
           its
           own
           accord
           .
           So
           the
           fire
           ascends
           upwards
           ,
           bodies
           that
           are
           weighty
           and
           heavy
           descend
           ;
           the
           water
           flows
           ,
           each
           according
           to
           the
           Principles
           of
           their
           nature
           ,
           which
           give
           them
           the
           
             Law
             of
             their
             Operation
          
           .
           That
           which
           hinders
           them
           in
           their
           operation
           is
           force
           and
           violence
           ,
           as
           that
           which
           hinders
           a
           stone
           from
           descending
           ,
           or
           the
           fire
           from
           going
           upwards
           .
           That
           which
           forceth
           them
           to
           move
           contrary
           to
           the
           Law
           of
           their
           nature
           ,
           as
           a
           stone
           to
           go
           upwards
           ,
           or
           the
           fire
           to
           descend
           ,
           is
           in
           its
           kind
           the
           greatest
           violence
           ,
           of
           which
           the
           degrees
           are
           endless
           .
           Now
           that
           which
           should
           take
           a
           great
           Milstone
           ,
           and
           fling
           it
           upwards
           into
           the
           air
           ,
           all
           would
           acknowledge
           to
           be
           a
           matter
           of
           wonderful
           force
           ,
           power
           ,
           and
           efficacy
           .
        
         
           Man
           also
           hath
           his
           
             Law
             of
             Operation
          
           and
           working
           concreated
           with
           him
           .
           And
           this
           may
           be
           considered
           two
           ways
           ;
           either
           ,
           first
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           common
           to
           him
           with
           other
           creatures
           ;
           or
           as
           peculiar
           ,
           with
           reference
           unto
           that
           special
           end
           for
           which
           he
           was
           made
           .
           Some
           things
           are
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           in
           this
           
             Law
             of
             Nature
             common
             to
             man
             with
             other
             creatures
          
           ;
           as
           to
           nourish
           their
           young
           ,
           to
           live
           quietly
           with
           them
           of
           the
           same
           kind
           and
           race
           with
           them
           ;
           to
           seek
           and
           follow
           after
           that
           which
           is
           good
           for
           them
           in
           that
           state
           and
           condition
           wherein
           they
           are
           created
           .
           These
           are
           things
           which
           all
           
             bruit
             living
             creatures
          
           have
           in
           the
           Law
           of
           their
           nature
           ,
           as
           Man
           also
           hath
           .
        
         
           But
           now
           besides
           these
           things
           ,
           man
           being
           creaated
           
           in
           an
           
             especial
             manner
          
           to
           give
           Glory
           to
           God
           by
           rational
           and
           moral
           obedience
           ,
           and
           so
           to
           obtain
           a
           reward
           in
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           him
           ;
           there
           are
           many
           things
           in
           the
           
             Law
             of
             his
             creation
          
           that
           are
           peculiar
           to
           him
           ;
           as
           to
           
             love
             God
             above
             all
          
           ,
           to
           seek
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           him
           as
           his
           chiefest
           Good
           and
           last
           End
           ,
           to
           enquire
           after
           his
           Mind
           and
           Will
           ,
           and
           to
           yield
           obedience
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           .
           All
           which
           are
           part
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           his
           Nature
           .
        
         
           Now
           these
           things
           are
           not
           distinguished
           so
           ,
           as
           though
           a
           man
           might
           perform
           the
           actions
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           his
           nature
           which
           are
           common
           to
           him
           with
           other
           creatures
           ,
           meerly
           from
           the
           
             principles
             of
             his
             nature
          
           as
           they
           do
           ;
           but
           the
           
             Law
             of
             his
             dependance
             upon
             God
             ,
          
           and
           doing
           all
           things
           in
           obedience
           unto
           him
           ,
           passeth
           on
           them
           all
           also
           .
           He
           can
           never
           be
           considered
           as
           a
           
             meer
             creature
          
           ,
           but
           as
           a
           creature
           made
           for
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           by
           rational
           moral
           obedience
           ;
           rational
           ,
           because
           by
           him
           chosen
           ,
           and
           performed
           with
           reason
           ;
           and
           moral
           ,
           because
           regulated
           by
           a
           Law
           whereunto
           Reason
           doth
           attend
           .
        
         
           For
           instance
           ;
           It
           is
           common
           to
           man
           with
           other
           creatures
           ,
           to
           
             take
             care
             for
             the
             nourishing
             of
             his
             children
             ,
          
           of
           the
           young
           helpless
           ones
           that
           receive
           their
           being
           by
           him
           .
           There
           is
           implanted
           in
           him
           ,
           in
           the
           principles
           of
           his
           nature
           concreated
           with
           them
           ,
           a
           love
           and
           care
           for
           them
           ;
           so
           is
           it
           with
           other
           living
           creatures
           .
           Now
           let
           other
           creatures
           answer
           this
           
             instinct
             &
             inclination
          
           ,
           and
           be
           not
           hardned
           against
           them
           like
           the
           
             foolish
             Ostrich
          
           ,
           unto
           whom
           God
           hath
           not
           imparted
           this
           natural
           wisdom
           ,
           Job
           59.
           16
           ,
           17.
           they
           fully
           answer
           the
           
             Law
             of
             their
             Creation
          
           .
           With
           Man
           it
           is
           not
           so
           ;
           it
           is
           not
           enough
           for
           him
           to
           
           answer
           the
           instinct
           and
           secret
           impulse
           and
           inclination
           of
           his
           nature
           and
           kind
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           nourishing
           of
           his
           children
           ;
           but
           he
           must
           do
           it
           also
           in
           
             subjection
             to
             God
          
           ,
           and
           obey
           him
           therein
           ,
           and
           doing
           it
           unto
           his
           glory
           ;
           the
           Law
           of
           
             Moral
             Obedience
          
           passing
           over
           all
           his
           whole
           being
           &
           all
           his
           operations
           ;
           but
           in
           these
           things
           lie
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           the
           whole
           of
           a
           man
           ,
           namely
           in
           the
           things
           which
           are
           implanted
           in
           his
           nature
           as
           a
           creature
           ,
           common
           to
           him
           with
           all
           other
           living
           creatures
           ,
           seconded
           by
           the
           Command
           or
           Will
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           a
           creature
           capable
           of
           
             yielding
             moral
             obedience
          
           ,
           and
           doing
           all
           things
           for
           his
           glory
           .
        
         
           That
           then
           ,
           which
           shall
           drive
           and
           compel
           a
           man
           to
           transgress
           this
           
             Law
             of
             his
             nature
          
           ,
           which
           is
           not
           only
           as
           to
           
             throw
             milstones
             upward
          
           ,
           to
           drive
           Beasts
           from
           taking
           care
           of
           their
           young
           ,
           to
           take
           from
           Cattle
           of
           the
           same
           kind
           the
           
             hearding
             of
             themselves
          
           in
           quietness
           ,
           but
           moreover
           ,
           to
           cast
           off
           what
           lies
           in
           him
           his
           
             fundamental
             dependance
             on
             God
          
           ,
           as
           a
           creature
           made
           to
           yield
           him
           obedience
           ,
           must
           needs
           be
           esteemed
           of
           great
           force
           and
           efficacy
           .
        
         
           Now
           this
           is
           frequently
           done
           by
           Indwelling-sin
           ,
           in
           persons
           unregenerate
           .
           Let
           us
           take
           some
           few
           instances
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           There
           is
           nothing
           that
           is
           more
           deeply
           inlaid
           in
           the
           principles
           of
           the
           natures
           of
           all
           living
           creatures
           ,
           and
           so
           of
           man
           himself
           ,
           than
           a
           love
           unto
           ,
           and
           a
           care
           for
           the
           preservation
           and
           nourishing
           of
           their
           young
           :
           many
           bruit
           creatures
           will
           die
           for
           them
           ,
           some
           feed
           them
           with
           their
           own
           flesh
           and
           blood
           ;
           all
           deprive
           themselves
           of
           that
           food
           which
           nature
           directs
           them
           to
           as
           their
           best
           ,
           to
           impart
           it
           
           to
           them
           ;
           and
           acting
           in
           their
           behalf
           to
           the
           utmost
           of
           their
           power
           .
        
         
           Now
           such
           is
           the
           efficacy
           ,
           power
           ,
           and
           force
           of
           Indwelling-sin
           in
           man
           ,
           an
           infection
           that
           the
           nature
           of
           other
           creatures
           knows
           nothing
           of
           ,
           that
           in
           many
           it
           prevails
           to
           stop
           this
           fountain
           ,
           to
           beat
           back
           the
           stream
           of
           natural
           affections
           ,
           to
           root
           up
           the
           principles
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           nature
           ,
           and
           to
           drive
           them
           unto
           a
           neglect
           ,
           a
           destruction
           of
           the
           
             fruit
             of
             their
             own
             loins
             .
             Paul
          
           tells
           us
           of
           the
           old
           Gentiles
           ,
           they
           were
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           Rom.
           1.
           31.
           
             without
             natural
             affection
          
           ;
           that
           which
           he
           aims
           at
           is
           that
           barbarous
           custom
           among
           the
           Romans
           ,
           who
           oft-times
           to
           spare
           the
           trouble
           in
           the
           education
           of
           their
           children
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           at
           liberty
           to
           satisfie
           their
           lusts
           ,
           
             destroyed
             their
             own
             children
             from
             the
             womb
             .
          
           So
           far
           did
           the
           strength
           of
           sin
           prevail
           to
           obliterate
           the
           Law
           of
           nature
           ,
           and
           to
           repel
           the
           force
           and
           power
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           Examples
           of
           this
           nature
           are
           common
           in
           all
           Nations
           ;
           amongst
           our selves
           ,
           of
           
             women
             murdering
             their
             own
             children
          
           ,
           through
           the
           deceitful
           reasoning
           of
           sin
           .
           And
           herein
           sin
           turns
           the
           strong
           current
           of
           nature
           ,
           darkens
           all
           the
           light
           of
           God
           in
           the
           soul
           ,
           controuls
           all
           natural
           principles
           ,
           influenced
           w●th
           the
           power
           of
           the
           command
           &
           will
           of
           God.
           But
           yet
           this
           evil
           hath
           ,
           through
           the
           efficacy
           of
           sin
           ,
           received
           a
           fearful
           aggravation
           .
           Men
           have
           not
           only
           slain
           ,
           but
           cruelly
           sacrificed
           their
           children
           to
           satisfie
           their
           lusts
           .
           The
           Apostle
           reckons
           Idolatry
           ,
           &
           so
           consequently
           all
           superstition
           ,
           among
           the
           works
           of
           the
           flesh
           ,
           Gal.
           5.
           20.
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           fruit
           &
           product
           of
           
             indwelling
             sin
          
           .
           Now
           from
           hence
           it
           is
           that
           men
           have
           offered
           that
           horrid
           and
           unspeakable
           violence
           to
           the
           Law
           
           of
           Nature
           mentioned
           .
           So
           the
           Psalmist
           tells
           us
           ,
           Psal.
           106.
           37
           ,
           38.
           
           The
           same
           is
           again
           mentioned
           ,
           Psal.
           7.
           31.
           and
           in
           sundry
           other
           places
           .
           The
           whole
           manner
           of
           that
           abomination
           I
           have
           elsewhere
           declared
           .
           For
           the
           present
           it
           may
           suffice
           to
           intimate
           ,
           that
           they
           took
           their
           children
           and
           
             burnt
             them
             to
             ashes
          
           in
           a
           soft
           fire
           ;
           the
           wicked
           Priests
           that
           assisted
           in
           the
           sacrifice
           affording
           them
           this
           relief
           ,
           that
           they
           made
           a
           noise
           and
           clamour
           ,
           that
           the
           vile
           wretches
           might
           not
           hear
           the
           woful
           moans
           and
           cries
           of
           the
           
             poor
             dying
             tormented
             Infants
          
           .
           I
           suppose
           in
           this
           case
           we
           need
           no
           farther
           evidence
           .
           Naturalists
           can
           give
           no
           rational
           account
           ,
           they
           can
           only
           admire
           the
           secret
           force
           of
           that
           
             little
             Fish
          
           ,
           which
           ,
           they
           say
           ,
           will
           stop
           a
           ship
           in
           full
           sail
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           the
           Sea.
           And
           we
           must
           acknowledge
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           beyond
           our
           power
           to
           give
           an
           account
           of
           that
           
             secret
             force
          
           ,
           and
           unsearchable
           deceit
           that
           is
           in
           this
           inbred
           Traitor
           ,
           Sin
           ;
           that
           cannot
           only
           stop
           the
           course
           of
           nature
           ,
           when
           all
           the
           sails
           of
           it
           that
           carry
           it
           forward
           are
           so
           filled
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           in
           that
           of
           affections
           to
           children
           ;
           but
           also
           
             drive
             it
             backward
          
           with
           such
           a
           violence
           &
           force
           ,
           as
           to
           cause
           men
           so
           to
           deal
           with
           their
           
             own
             children
          
           ,
           as
           a
           good
           man
           would
           not
           be
           hired
           with
           any
           reward
           to
           deal
           with
           his
           dog
           .
           And
           it
           may
           not
           be
           to
           the
           disadvantage
           of
           the
           best
           ,
           to
           know
           and
           consider
           ,
           that
           they
           carry
           that
           about
           them
           ,
           in
           them
           ,
           which
           in
           others
           hath
           produced
           these
           effects
           .
        
         
           The
           like
           may
           be
           spoken
           of
           all
           other
           sins
           against
           the
           
             prime
             dictates
          
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           Nature
           ,
           that
           mankind
           is
           or
           hath
           been
           stained
           and
           defamed
           withal
           .
           Murder
           of
           Parents
           and
           Children
           ,
           of
           Wives
           
           and
           Husbands
           ,
           
             Sodomy
             ,
             Incest
          
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           enormities
           ;
           in
           all
           which
           ,
           sin
           prevails
           in
           men
           against
           the
           
             whole
             Law
             of
             their
             Being
          
           and
           dependance
           upon
           God.
           
        
         
           What
           should
           I
           reckon
           up
           the
           murders
           of
           Cain
           and
           Abel
           ,
           the
           treason
           of
           Judas
           ,
           with
           their
           aggravations
           ;
           or
           remind
           the
           filth
           and
           villany
           of
           Nero
           ,
           in
           whom
           sin
           seemed
           to
           design
           an
           instance
           of
           what
           it
           could
           
             debase
             the
             nature
          
           of
           man
           unto
           :
           In
           a
           word
           ,
           all
           the
           studied
           ,
           premeditated
           perjuries
           ;
           all
           the
           designed
           ,
           bloody
           revenges
           ;
           all
           the
           filth
           and
           uncleanness
           ;
           all
           the
           enmity
           to
           God
           and
           his
           ways
           that
           is
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           is
           fruit
           growing
           from
           this
           root
           alone
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           evidences
           its
           efficacy
           in
           keeping
           men
           off
           from
           believing
           under
           the
           dispensation
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
           This
           evidence
           must
           be
           a
           little
           further
           cleared
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           Under
           the
           dispensation
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           there
           are
           
             but
             few
             that
             do
             believe
          
           .
           So
           the
           Preachers
           of
           it
           complain
           ,
           Isa.
           53.
           1.
           
           
             Who
             hath
             believed
             our
             report
          
           ?
           which
           the
           Apostle
           interprets
           of
           the
           paucity
           of
           Believers
           ,
           Joh.
           12.
           38.
           our
           Saviour
           Christ
           himself
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           
             many
             are
             called
          
           ,
           the
           Word
           is
           preached
           unto
           many
           ,
           but
           
             few
             are
             chosen
          
           .
           And
           so
           the
           Church
           complains
           of
           its
           number
           ,
           Mic.
           6.
           1.
           
           Few
           there
           be
           who
           enter
           the
           
             narrow
             gate
          
           ,
           daily
           experience
           confirms
           this
           woful
           observation
           .
           How
           many
           Villages
           ,
           Parishes
           ,
           yea
           ,
           Towns
           may
           we
           go
           unto
           ,
           where
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           hath
           been
           preached
           many
           years
           ,
           and
           perhaps
           scarce
           meet
           a
           
             true
             Believer
          
           in
           them
           ,
           &
           one
           who
           shews
           forth
           the
           death
           of
           Christ
           in
           his
           conversation
           .
           In
           the
           best
           
           places
           ,
           and
           most
           eminent
           for
           profession
           ,
           are
           not
           such
           persons
           like
           the
           
             berries
             after
             the
             shaking
             of
             an
             Olive-tree
             ,
          
           two
           or
           three
           in
           the
           top
           of
           the
           upmost
           boughs
           ,
           and
           4
           or
           5
           in
           the
           highest
           branches
           ?
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           There
           is
           proposed
           to
           men
           in
           the
           preaching
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           as
           
             motives
             unto
             Believing
          
           every
           thing
           in
           conjunction
           ,
           that
           severally
           prevail
           with
           men
           to
           do
           what
           ever
           else
           they
           do
           in
           their
           lives
           .
           What
           ever
           any
           one
           doth
           with
           consideration
           ,
           he
           doth
           it
           either
           because
           its
           reasonable
           &
           good
           for
           him
           so
           to
           do
           ,
           or
           profitable
           &
           advantagious
           ,
           or
           pleasant
           ,
           or
           lastly
           ,
           necessary
           for
           the
           avoidance
           of
           evil
           ;
           whatever
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           men
           do
           with
           consideration
           ,
           whether
           it
           be
           good
           or
           evil
           ,
           whether
           it
           be
           in
           the
           works
           of
           this
           life
           ,
           or
           in
           things
           that
           lead
           to
           another
           ;
           they
           do
           it
           from
           one
           or
           other
           of
           the
           reasons
           or
           motives
           mentioned
           .
           And
           ,
           God
           knows
           ,
           oft-times
           they
           are
           very
           poor
           and
           mean
           in
           their
           kind
           ,
           that
           men
           are
           prevailed
           upon
           by
           .
           How
           often
           will
           men
           for
           a
           very
           
             little
             pleasure
          
           ,
           a
           very
           
             little
             profit
          
           ,
           be
           induced
           to
           do
           that
           which
           shall
           imbitter
           their
           lives
           ,
           and
           damn
           their
           souls
           .
           And
           what
           industry
           will
           they
           use
           to
           avoid
           that
           which
           they
           apprehend
           evil
           or
           grievous
           to
           them
           .
           And
           any
           one
           of
           these
           is
           enough
           to
           
             oil
             the
             wheels
          
           of
           mens
           utmost
           endeavours
           ,
           and
           set
           men
           at
           work
           to
           the
           purpose
           .
        
         
           But
           now
           all
           these
           things
           centre
           in
           the
           proposal
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           the
           
             command
             of
             Believing
          
           ;
           and
           every
           one
           of
           them
           
             in
             a
             kind
          
           ,
           that
           the
           whole
           world
           can
           propose
           nothing
           like
           unto
           it
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           the
           most
           
             reasonable
             thing
          
           that
           can
           be
           proposed
           to
           the
           understanding
           of
           a
           man
           ;
           that
           he
           who
           thr●ough
           his
           
             own
             default
          
           hath
           lost
           that
           way
           
           of
           bringiug
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           saving
           his
           own
           soul
           ,
           (
           for
           which
           ends
           he
           was
           made
           )
           that
           he
           was
           first
           placed
           in
           ,
           should
           accept
           of
           ,
           and
           embrace
           ,
           that
           other
           ,
           blessed
           ,
           easie
           ,
           safe
           ,
           excellent
           way
           ,
           for
           the
           attaining
           the
           ends
           mentioned
           ,
           which
           God
           in
           infinite
           Grace
           ,
           Love
           ,
           Mercy
           ,
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           Righteousness
           hath
           found
           out
           ,
           and
           doth
           propose
           unto
           him
           .
           And
           ,
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           is
           the
           profitablest
           thing
           that
           a
           man
           can
           possibly
           be
           invited
           unto
           ;
           if
           there
           be
           any
           profit
           ,
           or
           benefit
           ,
           any
           advantage
           in
           the
           
             forgiveness
             of
             sins
          
           ,
           in
           the
           love
           and
           favour
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           a
           blessed
           immortality
           ,
           in
           eternal
           glory
           .
           And
           ,
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           It
           is
           most
           pleasant
           also
           ;
           surely
           it
           is
           a
           pleasant
           thing
           to
           be
           brought
           out
           of
           
             darkness
             into
             light
          
           ,
           out
           of
           a
           dungeon
           unto
           a
           Throne
           ,
           from
           captivity
           and
           slavery
           to
           Satan
           and
           cursed
           lusts
           ,
           to
           the
           glorious
           liberty
           of
           the
           children
           of
           God
           ,
           with
           a
           thousand
           heavenly
           sweetnesses
           not
           now
           to
           be
           mentioned
           .
           And
           ,
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           It
           is
           surely
           necessary
           ,
           and
           that
           not
           only
           from
           the
           
             command
             of
             God
          
           ,
           who
           hath
           the
           Supreme
           Authority
           over
           us
           ,
           but
           also
           indispensibly
           so
           for
           the
           avoidance
           of
           
             eternal
             ruine
          
           of
           body
           and
           soul
           ,
           Mat.
           16.
           16.
           
           It
           is
           constantly
           proposed
           under
           these
           terms
           ,
           believe
           ,
           or
           you
           perish
           under
           the
           weight
           of
           the
           wrath
           of
           the
           great
           God
           ,
           and
           that
           for
           evermore
           .
        
         
           But
           now
           notwithstanding
           that
           all
           these
           considerations
           are
           preached
           unto
           men
           ,
           and
           pressed
           upon
           them
           in
           the
           Name
           of
           the
           great
           God
           from
           day
           to
           day
           ,
           from
           one
           year
           to
           another
           ;
           yet
           ,
           as
           was
           before
           observed
           ,
           very
           few
           there
           are
           who
           set
           their
           
           hearts
           unto
           them
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           embrace
           that
           which
           they
           lead
           unto
           .
           Tell
           men
           
             ten
             thousand
             times
          
           ,
           that
           this
           is
           Wisdom
           ,
           yea
           ,
           Riches
           ,
           that
           all
           their
           profit
           lies
           in
           it
           ,
           that
           they
           will
           assuredly
           and
           eternally
           perish
           ,
           &
           that
           it
           may
           be
           within
           a
           few
           hours
           ,
           if
           they
           receive
           not
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           assure
           them
           that
           it
           is
           their
           
             only
             interest
          
           and
           concernment
           ,
           let
           them
           know
           that
           God
           himself
           speaks
           all
           this
           unto
           them
           ;
           yet
           all
           is
           one
           ,
           they
           regard
           it
           not
           ,
           set
           not
           their
           hearts
           unto
           it
           ,
           but
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           plainly
           say
           ,
           
             We
             will
             have
             nothing
             to
             do
             with
             these
             things
          
           ;
           they
           will
           rather
           perish
           in
           their
           lusts
           than
           accept
           of
           mercy
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           It
           is
           Indwelling-sin
           that
           both
           disenableth
           men
           unto
           ,
           and
           hinders
           them
           from
           believing
           ,
           &
           that
           alone
           .
           Blindness
           of
           mind
           ,
           stubbornness
           of
           the
           will
           ,
           sensuality
           of
           the
           affections
           ,
           all
           concur
           to
           keep
           poor
           perishing
           souls
           at
           a
           distance
           from
           Christ.
           Men
           are
           made
           blind
           by
           sin
           ,
           and
           cannot
           see
           his
           Excellencies
           ,
           obstinate
           and
           will
           not
           lay
           hold
           of
           his
           Righteousness
           senseless
           and
           take
           no
           notice
           of
           their
           own
           eternal
           concernments
           .
        
         
           Now
           certainly
           that
           which
           can
           prevail
           with
           men
           wise
           and
           sober
           ,
           and
           prudent
           in
           other
           things
           ,
           to
           neglect
           and
           despise
           the
           love
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           blood
           of
           Christ
           ,
           the
           eternal
           welfare
           of
           their
           own
           souls
           ,
           upon
           weak
           and
           worthless
           pretences
           ,
           must
           be
           acknowledged
           to
           have
           an
           astonishable
           force
           and
           efficacy
           accompanying
           it
           .
        
         
           Whose
           heart
           ,
           who
           hath
           once
           heard
           of
           the
           ways
           of
           God
           ,
           can
           but
           bleed
           to
           see
           
             poor
             souls
          
           eternally
           perishing
           under
           a
           
             thousand
             gracious
             invitations
          
           ,
           to
           accept
           of
           mercy
           and
           pardon
           in
           the
           blood
           of
           Christ
           ?
           And
           can
           we
           but
           be
           astonished
           at
           the
           power
           
           of
           that
           principle
           from
           whence
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           they
           run
           headlong
           to
           their
           own
           destruction
           ?
           And
           yet
           all
           this
           befals
           them
           from
           the
           power
           and
           deceit
           of
           sin
           that
           dwelleth
           in
           them
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           It
           is
           evident
           in
           their
           
             total
             Apostasies
          
           .
           Many
           Men
           not
           really
           converted
           ,
           are
           much
           wrought
           upon
           by
           the
           Word
           .
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           they
           do
           
             clean
             escape
             them
             that
             live
             in
             Error
             ,
          
           as
           2
           Pet.
           2.
           18.
           
           They
           separate
           themselves
           from
           Idolatry
           and
           false
           Worship
           ,
           owning
           and
           professing
           the
           Truth
           ;
           and
           they
           also
           escape
           
             the
             pollution
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             ver
             .
          
           20.
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           
             corruption
             that
             is
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             through
             lust
             ,
          
           as
           he
           expresseth
           it
           ,
           chap.
           1.
           verse
           4.
           those
           filthy
           corrupt
           and
           unclean
           ways
           ,
           which
           the
           Men
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           in
           the
           pursuit
           of
           their
           lusts
           ,
           do
           walk
           and
           live
           in
           ;
           these
           they
           escape
           from
           ,
           in
           the
           amendment
           of
           their
           lives
           ,
           and
           ordering
           of
           their
           Conversation
           according
           to
           the
           Convictions
           which
           they
           have
           from
           the
           Word
           .
           For
           so
           he
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           all
           this
           is
           brought
           about
           ,
           
             through
             the
             knowledge
             of
             the
             Lord
             and
             Saviour
             Jesus
             Christ
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           by
           the
           preaching
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           they
           are
           so
           far
           wrought
           upon
           ,
           
             as
             to
             forsake
          
           all
           ways
           of
           false
           Worship
           ,
           to
           profess
           the
           truth
           ,
           to
           reform
           their
           lives
           ,
           and
           to
           walk
           answerable
           to
           the
           Convictions
           that
           are
           upon
           them
           .
        
         
           By
           this
           means
           do
           they
           gain
           the
           Reputation
           of
           Professors
           ,
           
             They
             have
             a
             Name
             to
             live
             ,
          
           Rev.
           3.
           1.
           and
           are
           made
           partakers
           of
           some
           ,
           or
           all
           of
           those
           priviledges
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           that
           are
           numbred
           by
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           Heb.
           6.
           4
           ,
           5.
           
        
         
           It
           is
           not
           my
           present
           business
           to
           shew
           
             how
             far
          
           ,
           or
           wherein
           a
           Man
           may
           be
           
             effectually
             wrought
          
           upon
           
           by
           the
           Word
           ,
           and
           yet
           not
           be
           
             really
             wrought
          
           over
           to
           close
           with
           Christ
           ;
           or
           what
           may
           be
           the
           utmost
           bounds
           and
           limits
           of
           a
           
             common
             work
          
           of
           grace
           upon
           unregenerate
           Men
           ;
           It
           is
           on
           all
           hands
           confessed
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           be
           carryed
           on
           so
           far
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           very
           difficult
           to
           discern
           between
           its
           effects
           and
           productions
           ,
           and
           those
           of
           that
           Grace
           which
           is
           special
           and
           saving
           .
        
         
           But
           now
           ,
           notwithstanding
           all
           this
           ,
           we
           see
           many
           of
           these
           daily
           
             fall
             off
             from
             God
          
           ,
           utterly
           and
           wickedly
           some
           into
           debaucherie
           and
           uncleanness
           ,
           some
           to
           worldliness
           and
           covetousness
           ,
           some
           to
           be
           Persecutors
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           all
           to
           the
           perdition
           of
           their
           own
           souls
           .
           How
           this
           comes
           about
           ,
           the
           Apostle
           declares
           in
           that
           place
           mentioned
           ;
           they
           are
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           entangled
           again
           ;
           to
           
             entice
             and
             entangle
          
           as
           I
           have
           shewed
           before
           from
           James
           1.
           14
           ,
           15.
           is
           the
           proper
           work
           of
           
             Indwelling
             Sin
          
           ;
           it
           is
           that
           alone
           which
           entangles
           the
           Soul
           ;
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           v.
           18.
           
           
             They
             are
             allured
             from
             their
             whole
             Profession
             ,
          
           into
           cursed
           Apostasie
           through
           the
           lusts
           of
           the
           flesh
           .
        
         
           It
           prevails
           upon
           them
           through
           its
           deceit
           and
           power
           to
           an
           utter
           
             relinquishment
             of
             their
             Profession
          
           ;
           and
           their
           whole
           engagement
           unto
           God
           :
           And
           this
           several
           ways
           evinces
           the
           greatness
           of
           its
           strength
           and
           efficacy
           :
        
         
           1.
           
           In
           that
           it
           giveth
           stop
           or
           control
           unto
           that
           
             exceeding
             greatness
             of
             power
          
           which
           is
           put
           forth
           in
           the
           Word
           ,
           in
           their
           Conviction
           and
           Reformation
           .
           We
           see
           it
           by
           experience
           ,
           that
           Men
           are
           not
           
             easily
             wrought
          
           upon
           by
           the
           Word
           ;
           the
           most
           of
           men
           can
           live
           under
           the
           dispensation
           of
           it
           all
           the
           dayes
           of
           
           their
           lives
           ,
           and
           continue
           as
           sensless
           and
           stupid
           as
           the
           seats
           they
           sit
           upon
           ,
           or
           the
           flint
           in
           the
           Rock
           of
           Stone
           .
           Mighty
           difficulties
           ,
           and
           prejudices
           must
           be
           conquered
           ,
           great
           stroaks
           must
           be
           given
           to
           the
           Conscience
           before
           this
           can
           be
           brought
           about
           .
           It
           is
           as
           the
           stopping
           of
           a
           River
           in
           his
           course
           ,
           and
           turning
           his
           streams
           another
           way
           ;
           the
           hindering
           of
           a
           stone
           in
           his
           falling
           downwards
           ,
           or
           the
           turning
           away
           of
           the
           
             wild
             Ass
          
           ,
           when
           furiously
           set
           to
           pursue
           his
           way
           ,
           as
           the
           Prophet
           speaks
           ,
           Jer.
           2.
           24.
           to
           turn
           Men
           from
           their
           corrupt
           ways
           ,
           sins
           and
           pleasures
           ,
           to
           make
           them
           
             pray
             ,
             fast
             ,
             hear
          
           ,
           and
           do
           many
           things
           contrary
           to
           the
           Principle
           of
           flesh
           ,
           which
           is
           secretly
           predominant
           in
           them
           ,
           willingly
           and
           gladly
           ;
           to
           cause
           them
           to
           
             profess
             Christ
          
           and
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           under
           some
           tryals
           and
           reproaches
           ,
           to
           give
           them
           Light
           to
           see
           into
           sundry
           mysteries
           ,
           and
           gifts
           for
           the
           discharge
           of
           sundry
           duties
           ;
           to
           make
           dead
           ,
           blind
           ,
           sensless
           Men
           ,
           to
           walk
           ,
           and
           talk
           ,
           and
           do
           all
           the
           outward
           offices
           and
           duties
           of
           living
           and
           healthy
           Men
           ;
           with
           the
           like
           attendencies
           of
           Conviction
           and
           Reformation
           ,
           are
           the
           effects
           and
           products
           of
           mighty
           power
           and
           strength
           .
           Indeed
           the
           power
           that
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           puts
           forth
           by
           the
           word
           ,
           in
           the
           staggering
           and
           conviction
           of
           sinners
           ,
           in
           the
           wakning
           of
           their
           Consciences
           ,
           the
           enlightening
           of
           their
           minds
           ,
           the
           changing
           of
           their
           affections
           ,
           the
           awing
           of
           their
           hearts
           ,
           the
           reforming
           of
           their
           lives
           ,
           and
           compelling
           them
           to
           duties
           ,
           is
           unexpressible
           .
        
         
           But
           now
           ,
           unto
           all
           these
           is
           there
           check
           and
           control
           given
           by
           
             Indwelling
             Sin.
          
           It
           prevails
           against
           this
           
             whole
             work
          
           of
           the
           Spirit
           by
           the
           Word
           ,
           with
           
           all
           the
           advantages
           of
           Providential
           Dispensations
           ,
           in
           Afflictions
           and
           Mercies
           ,
           wherewith
           it
           is
           attended
           .
           When
           Sin
           is
           once
           enraged
           ,
           all
           these
           things
           become
           but
           like
           the
           wit
           hs
           &
           cords
           wherewith
           Sampson
           was
           bound
           before
           his
           head
           was
           shaven
           :
           Cry
           but
           to
           it
           ,
           the
           Philistines
           are
           upon
           thee
           ,
           here
           is
           a
           
             subtle
             ,
             a
             suitable
             temptation
          
           ,
           now
           shew
           thy
           strength
           and
           efficacy
           ,
           all
           these
           things
           become
           like
           
             Towe
             that
             have
             smelt
             the
             fire
             .
             Conscience
          
           is
           stifled
           ,
           Reputation
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           despised
           ,
           Light
           supplanted
           ,
           the
           impressions
           of
           the
           Word
           cast
           off
           ,
           convictions
           digested
           ,
           Heaven
           and
           Hell
           are
           despised
           ;
           Sin
           makes
           its
           way
           through
           all
           ,
           and
           utterly
           turns
           the
           Soul
           from
           the
           good
           and
           right
           ways
           of
           God.
           Sometimes
           it
           doth
           this
           subtilly
           by
           
             imperceptible
             degrees
          
           ,
           taking
           off
           all
           force
           of
           former
           impressions
           from
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           by
           the
           Word
           ,
           sullying
           Conscience
           by
           degrees
           ,
           hardning
           the
           Heart
           ,
           and
           making
           sensual
           the
           Affections
           by
           various
           workings
           ,
           that
           the
           poor
           
             backslider
             in
             heart
          
           scarce
           knows
           what
           he
           is
           doing
           ,
           until
           he
           be
           come
           to
           the
           very
           bottom
           of
           all
           impiety
           ,
           profaneness
           ,
           and
           enmity
           against
           God.
           Sometimes
           falling
           in
           conjunction
           with
           some
           
             vigorous
             temptation
          
           ,
           it
           suddenly
           ,
           and
           at
           once
           plunges
           the
           Soul
           into
           a
           course
           of
           alienation
           from
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           profession
           of
           his
           ways
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           It
           takes
           them
           off
           from
           those
           
             hopes
             of
             Heaven
          
           ,
           which
           upon
           their
           Convictions
           ,
           Obedience
           ,
           and
           
             temporary
             Faith
          
           or
           believing
           ,
           they
           had
           attained
           .
           There
           is
           a
           
             general
             hope
             of
             Heaven
          
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           of
           the
           escaping
           of
           Hell
           ,
           of
           an
           
             untroublesome
             immortality
          
           in
           the
           most
           sottish
           and
           stupid
           Souls
           in
           the
           
           World
           ,
           who
           either
           by
           tradition
           or
           instruction
           from
           the
           Word
           ,
           are
           perswaded
           that
           there
           is
           another
           state
           of
           things
           to
           come
           after
           this
           life
           ;
           but
           it
           is
           in
           unconvinced
           ,
           unenlightened
           Persons
           ,
           a
           dull
           ,
           senseless
           ,
           unaffecting
           thing
           ,
           that
           hath
           no
           other
           hold
           upon
           them
           ,
           nor
           power
           in
           them
           ,
           but
           only
           to
           keep
           them
           free
           from
           the
           trouble
           and
           perplexity
           of
           contrary
           thoughts
           and
           apprehensions
           .
           The
           matter
           is
           otherwise
           with
           them
           who
           by
           the
           Word
           are
           so
           wrought
           upon
           as
           we
           have
           before
           declared
           ;
           their
           
             hope
             of
             Heaven
          
           and
           a
           blessed
           Immortality
           is
           oft-times
           accompanied
           with
           great
           joyes
           ,
           and
           exultations
           ,
           and
           is
           a
           relief
           unto
           them
           ,
           under
           and
           against
           the
           worst
           of
           their
           fears
           and
           trials
           ;
           It
           is
           such
           ,
           as
           they
           would
           not
           
             part
             withal
          
           for
           all
           the
           World
           ;
           and
           upon
           all
           occasions
           they
           retreat
           in
           their
           minds
           unto
           it
           ,
           for
           comfort
           and
           relief
           .
        
         
           Now
           all
           this
           by
           the
           
             Power
             of
             Sin
          
           are
           they
           prevailed
           withal
           to
           forgo
           .
           Let
           Heaven
           go
           if
           it
           will
           ,
           a
           blessed
           Immortality
           with
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           God
           himself
           ,
           Sin
           must
           be
           served
           ,
           and
           provision
           made
           to
           fulfil
           the
           lusts
           thereof
           .
        
         
           If
           a
           Man
           ,
           in
           the
           things
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           had
           such
           a
           hope
           of
           a
           large
           Inheritance
           ,
           of
           a
           Kingdom
           ,
           as
           wherein
           he
           is
           satisfied
           that
           it
           will
           not
           fail
           him
           ▪
           but
           that
           in
           the
           issue
           he
           shall
           surely
           enjoy
           it
           ,
           and
           lead
           an
           happy
           and
           a
           glorious
           life
           in
           the
           possession
           of
           it
           many
           dayes
           ;
           if
           one
           should
           go
           to
           him
           and
           tell
           him
           ,
           It
           is
           true
           ,
           the
           Kingdom
           you
           look
           for
           is
           an
           ample
           and
           honourable
           Dominion
           ,
           full
           of
           all
           good
           things
           desirable
           ,
           and
           you
           may
           attain
           it
           ;
           but
           come
           ,
           cast
           away
           all
           hopes
           and
           expectations
           
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           come
           joyn
           with
           Me
           in
           the
           
             service
             and
             slavery
          
           of
           such
           or
           such
           an
           oppressing
           Tyrant
           .
           You
           will
           easily
           grant
           ;
           he
           must
           have
           some
           strange
           bewitching
           power
           with
           him
           ,
           that
           should
           prevail
           with
           a
           Man
           in
           his
           wits
           to
           follow
           his
           advice
           .
        
         
           Yet
           thus
           it
           is
           ,
           and
           much
           more
           so
           in
           the
           case
           we
           have
           in
           hand
           .
           Sin
           it self
           cannot
           deny
           ,
           but
           that
           the
           
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
          
           which
           the
           Soul
           is
           in
           hope
           and
           expectation
           of
           ,
           is
           glorious
           and
           excellent
           ,
           nor
           doth
           it
           go
           about
           to
           convince
           him
           ,
           that
           his
           thoughts
           of
           it
           are
           vain
           ,
           and
           such
           as
           will
           deceive
           him
           ,
           but
           plainly
           prevails
           with
           him
           to
           cast
           away
           his
           hopes
           ,
           to
           despise
           his
           Kingdom
           that
           he
           was
           in
           expectation
           of
           ,
           and
           that
           upon
           no
           other
           motive
           but
           that
           he
           may
           serve
           some
           
             worldly
             ,
             cruel
          
           ,
           or
           filthy
           and
           sensual
           lust
           ;
           Certainly
           here
           lies
           a
           secret
           efficacy
           ,
           whose
           depths
           cannot
           be
           fathomed
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Apostle
           manifests
           the
           power
           of
           the
           entanglements
           of
           sin
           in
           and
           upon
           Apostates
           ,
           in
           that
           it
           turns
           them
           off
           from
           
             the
             way
             of
             righteousness
             after
             they
             have
             known
             it
             ,
          
           2
           Pet.
           2.
           21.
           
           It
           will
           be
           found
           at
           the
           last
           day
           
             an
             evil
             thing
             and
             a
             bitter
             ,
          
           that
           Men
           live
           all
           their
           days
           in
           the
           service
           of
           sin
           ,
           self
           ,
           and
           the
           World
           ,
           refusing
           to
           make
           any
           trial
           of
           the
           
             ways
             of
             God
          
           whereunto
           they
           are
           invited
           ;
           though
           they
           have
           no
           experience
           of
           their
           excellency
           ,
           beauty
           ,
           pleasantness
           ,
           safety
           ,
           yet
           having
           evidence
           brought
           unto
           them
           from
           God
           himself
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           so
           ,
           the
           refusal
           of
           them
           will
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           be
           bitterness
           in
           the
           latter
           end
           .
           But
           their
           condition
           is
           yet
           far
           worse
           ,
           who
           as
           the
           Apostle
           speaks
           ,
           
           having
           
             known
             the
             way
             of
             righteousness
          
           ,
           are
           by
           the
           power
           of
           
             Indwelling
             Sin
          
           turned
           aside
           from
           the
           holy
           Commandment
           .
           To
           leave
           God
           for
           the
           Devil
           ,
           after
           a
           Man
           hath
           made
           some
           trial
           of
           him
           and
           his
           service
           ;
           Heaven
           for
           Hell
           ;
           after
           a
           Man
           hath
           had
           some
           chearing
           ,
           refreshing
           thoughts
           of
           it
           ,
           the
           fellowship
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           for
           an
           Alehouse
           or
           a
           brothel-house
           ;
           after
           a
           man
           hath
           been
           admitted
           unto
           their
           Communion
           ,
           and
           tasted
           of
           the
           pleasantness
           of
           it
           ,
           to
           leave
           walking
           in
           pure
           ,
           clear
           ,
           streight
           paths
           ,
           to
           
             wallow
             in
             mire
          
           ,
           draughts
           and
           filth
           ,
           this
           will
           be
           for
           a
           lamentation
           ;
           Yet
           this
           doth
           sin
           prevail
           upon
           Apostates
           unto
           ;
           and
           that
           against
           all
           their
           Light
           ,
           Conviction
           ,
           Experiences
           ,
           Professions
           ,
           Engagements
           ,
           or
           whatever
           may
           be
           strong
           upon
           them
           to
           keep
           them
           to
           the
           known
           ways
           of
           Righteousness
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           It
           evinces
           its
           strength
           in
           them
           by
           prevailing
           with
           them
           unto
           
             a
             total
             renunciation
             of
             God
          
           as
           revealed
           in
           Christ
           ,
           and
           the
           Power
           of
           all
           Gospel-Truth
           ,
           
             in
             the
             Sin
             against
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             .
          
           I
           do
           not
           now
           precisely
           determine
           what
           is
           the
           
             Sin
             against
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
          
           ;
           nor
           wherein
           it
           doth
           consist
           .
           There
           are
           different
           apprehensions
           of
           it
           ;
           all
           agree
           in
           this
           ;
           that
           by
           it
           an
           end
           is
           put
           to
           
             all
             dealings
             between
             God
             and
             Man
             in
             a
             way
             of
             Grace
             .
          
           It
           is
           a
           sin
           unto
           death
           .
           And
           this
           doth
           the
           hardness
           and
           blindness
           of
           many
           Mens
           hearts
           bring
           them
           to
           ;
           they
           are
           by
           them
           at
           length
           set
           out
           of
           the
           reach
           of
           Mercy
           .
           
             They
             chuse
             to
             have
             no
             more
             to
             do
             with
             God
          
           ;
           and
           God
           swears
           that
           they
           shall
           never
           enter
           into
           his
           Rest.
           So
           
             Sin
             brings
             forth
             death
          
           .
           A
           Man
           by
           it
           ,
           is
           brought
           to
           renounce
           the
           End
           for
           
           which
           he
           was
           made
           ;
           wilfully
           to
           reject
           the
           Means
           of
           his
           coming
           to
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           provoke
           him
           to
           his
           face
           ;
           and
           so
           to
           perish
           in
           his
           Rebellion
           .
        
         
           I
           have
           not
           mentioned
           these
           things
           ,
           as
           though
           I
           hoped
           by
           them
           to
           set
           out
           to
           the
           
             full
             the
             power
             of
             Indwelling
             Sin
             in
             unregenerate
             Men
          
           ;
           only
           by
           a
           few
           Instances
           I
           thought
           to
           give
           a
           glimpse
           of
           it
           .
           He
           that
           would
           have
           a
           fuller
           view
           of
           it
           ,
           had
           need
           only
           to
           
             open
             his
             eyes
          
           ,
           to
           take
           a
           little
           view
           of
           that
           wickedness
           which
           reigneth
           ,
           yea
           rageth
           all
           the
           World
           over
           .
           Let
           him
           consider
           the
           prevailing
           flood
           of
           the
           things
           mentioned
           by
           Paul
           to
           be
           
             the
             fruits
             of
             the
             flesh
          
           ,
           Gal.
           5.
           19
           ,
           20
           ,
           21.
           that
           is
           ,
           among
           the
           Sons
           of
           Men
           ,
           in
           all
           places
           ,
           Nations
           ,
           Cities
           ,
           Towns
           ,
           Parishes
           ;
           and
           then
           let
           him
           add
           thereunto
           but
           this
           one
           consideration
           ,
           that
           the
           World
           ,
           which
           is
           full
           of
           the
           steam
           ,
           filth
           ,
           and
           blood
           of
           these
           abominations
           ,
           as
           to
           their
           outward
           actings
           of
           them
           ,
           is
           a
           
             Pleasant
             Garden
          
           ,
           a
           Paradise
           ,
           compared
           to
           the
           heart
           of
           Man
           ,
           wherein
           they
           are
           all
           conceived
           ,
           and
           hourly
           millions
           of
           more
           vile
           abominations
           ,
           which
           being
           stifled
           in
           the
           womb
           ,
           by
           some
           of
           the
           wayes
           before
           insisted
           on
           ,
           they
           are
           never
           able
           to
           bring
           forth
           to
           light
           .
           Let
           a
           Man
           I
           say
           using
           the
           Law
           for
           his
           Light
           and
           Rule
           ,
           take
           this
           course
           ,
           and
           if
           he
           have
           any
           spiritual
           discerning
           ,
           he
           may
           quickly
           attain
           satisfaction
           in
           this
           matter
           .
        
         
           And
           I
           shewed
           in
           the
           entrance
           of
           this
           discourse
           ,
           how
           this
           consideration
           doth
           fully
           confirm
           the
           Truth
           proposed
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           CHAP.
           XVII
           .
        
         
           
             The
             strength
             of
             Sin
             Evidenced
             from
             its
             Resistance
             unto
             the
             power
             of
             the
             Law.
             
          
        
         
           THE
           measure
           of
           the
           strength
           of
           any
           Person
           ,
           or
           
             defenced
             City
          
           ,
           may
           be
           well
           taken
           from
           
             the
             opposition
          
           that
           they
           are
           able
           to
           withstand
           ,
           and
           not
           be
           prevailed
           against
           .
           If
           we
           hear
           of
           a
           City
           that
           hath
           endured
           
             a
             long
             siege
          
           from
           a
           potent
           Enemy
           ,
           and
           yet
           is
           not
           taken
           or
           conquered
           ,
           whose
           walls
           have
           endured
           great
           batteries
           ,
           and
           are
           not
           demolished
           ,
           though
           we
           have
           never
           seen
           the
           place
           ,
           yet
           we
           conclude
           it
           strong
           ,
           if
           not
           impregnable
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           Consideration
           will
           also
           evidence
           the
           power
           and
           strength
           of
           Indwelling-sin
           ;
           it
           is
           able
           
             to
             hold
             out
          
           ,
           and
           not
           only
           to
           live
           ,
           but
           also
           to
           secure
           its
           reign
           and
           dominion
           against
           very
           strong
           opposition
           that
           is
           made
           unto
           it
           .
        
         
           I
           shall
           instance
           only
           in
           
             the
             opposition
             that
             is
             made
             unto
             it
             ,
             by
             the
             Law
             ,
          
           which
           is
           oft-times
           
             great
             and
             terrible
          
           ,
           alwayes
           fruitless
           ;
           all
           its
           assaults
           are
           born
           by
           it
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           not
           prevailed
           against
           .
           There
           are
           sundry
           things
           wherein
           the
           Law
           opposeth
           it self
           to
           sin
           ,
           and
           the
           power
           of
           it
           .
           As
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           It
           discovers
           it
           ;
           sin
           in
           the
           Soul
           is
           like
           a
           secret
           hectical
           distemper
           in
           the
           body
           ;
           it
           s
           being
           unknown
           and
           unperceived
           ,
           is
           one
           great
           means
           of
           its
           prevalency
           .
           Or
           as
           Traytors
           in
           a
           
             Civil
             State
          
           ,
           whilest
           they
           lye
           hid
           ,
           they
           vigorously
           carry
           on
           their
           design
           .
           The
           greatest
           part
           of
           Men
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           know
           nothing
           of
           this
           sickness
           ,
           yea
           death
           of
           their
           Souls
           .
           Though
           they
           have
           been
           taught
           somewhat
           
           of
           the
           doctrine
           of
           it
           ,
           yet
           they
           know
           nothing
           of
           its
           power
           .
           They
           know
           it
           not
           so
           ,
           as
           to
           deal
           with
           it
           as
           their
           mortal
           Enemy
           .
           As
           a
           Man
           ,
           whatever
           he
           be
           told
           ,
           cannot
           be
           said
           to
           know
           ,
           that
           he
           hath
           an●
           
             hectical
             Feaver
          
           ,
           if
           he
           love
           his
           life
           ,
           and
           set
           no●
           himself
           to
           stop
           its
           progress
           .
        
         
           This
           then
           the
           Law
           doth
           ,
           it
           
             discovers
             this
             enemy
          
           ;
           it
           convinceth
           the
           soul
           that
           there
           is
           such
           a
           traitor
           harbouring
           in
           his
           bosome
           ,
           Rom.
           7.
           7.
           
           
             I
             had
             no●
             known
             sin
             but
             by
             the
             Law
             ,
             for
             I
             had
             not
             known
             lust
             ,
             except
             the
             Law
             had
             said
             ,
             Thou
             shalt
             non
             covet
             .
          
           I
           had
           not
           known
           it
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           fully
           ,
           clearly
           ,
           distinctly
           .
           Conscience
           will
           somewhat
           tumultuate
           about
           it
           ;
           bu●
           a
           man
           cannot
           know
           it
           clearly
           and
           distinctly
           from
           thence
           .
           It
           gives
           a
           man
           such
           a
           sight
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           the
           blind
           man
           had
           in
           the
           Gospel
           upon
           the
           first
           touch
           of
           his
           eyes
           ,
           
             He
             saw
             men
             like
             trees
             walking
             ,
          
           obscurely
           ,
           confusedly
           ;
           but
           when
           the
           Law
           comes
           ,
           th●●
           gives
           the
           soul
           
             a
             distinct
             sight
             of
             this
             indwelling-sin
             ▪
          
           Again
           ,
           
             I
             had
             not
             known
             it
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           depths
           o●
           it
           ,
           the
           root
           ,
           the
           habitual
           inclination
           of
           my
           nature
           to
           sin
           ,
           which
           is
           here
           called
           lust
           ;
           as
           it
           is
           by
           
             James
             ,
             chap.
          
           1.
           14.
           
           I
           had
           not
           known
           it
           ,
           or
           not
           known
           it
           to
           be
           sin
           ,
           but
           by
           the
           Law.
           
        
         
           This
           then
           the
           Law
           doth
           ,
           it
           draws
           out
           this
           Traitor
           from
           its
           secret
           lurking
           places
           ,
           the
           intimate
           recesses
           of
           the
           soul.
           A
           man
           when
           the
           Law
           comes
           ,
           is
           no
           more
           ignorant
           of
           his
           enemy
           ;
           if
           the
           will
           now
           perish
           by
           him
           ,
           it
           is
           openly
           and
           knowingly
           ;
           he
           cannot
           but
           say
           that
           the
           Law
           warned
           him
           of
           him
           ,
           discovered
           him
           unto
           him
           ,
           yea
           ,
           and
           raised
           a
           
             concourse
             about
             him
          
           in
           the
           soul
           of
           various
           affections
           ,
           as
           an
           Officer
           doth
           ,
           that
           discovers
           a
           Thief
           or
           Robber
           ,
           calling
           out
           ●or
           assistance
           to
           apprehend
           him
           .
        
         
         
           Secondly
           ,
           The
           Law
           not
           only
           discovers
           sin
           ,
           but
           discovers
           it
           to
           be
           a
           very
           
             bad
             inmate
          
           ,
           dangerous
           ,
           yea
           ,
           pernicious
           to
           the
           soul.
           Rom.
           7.
           13.
           
           
             Was
             then
             that
             which
             is
             good
          
           (
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           Law
           )
           
             made
             death
             unto
             me
             ?
             God
             forbid
             .
             But
             sin
             ,
             that
             it
             might
             appear
             sin
             ,
             working
             death
             in
             me
             by
             that
             which
             is
             good
             ,
             that
             sin
             by
             the
             commandment
             might
             become
             exceeding
             sinful
             .
          
           There
           are
           many
           things
           in
           this
           verse
           wherein
           we
           are
           not
           at
           present
           concerned
           ;
           that
           which
           I
           only
           aim
           at
           ,
           is
           ,
           the
           manifestation
           of
           sin
           by
           the
           Law
           ;
           it
           
             appears
             to
             be
             sin
          
           ;
           and
           the
           manifestation
           of
           it
           in
           its
           own
           colours
           ;
           it
           appears
           to
           be
           
             exceeding
             sinful
          
           .
           The
           Law
           gives
           the
           soul
           to
           know
           the
           filth
           and
           guilt
           of
           this
           Indwelling-sin
           ,
           how
           great
           they
           are
           ,
           how
           vile
           it
           is
           ;
           what
           an
           abomination
           ,
           what
           an
           enmity
           to
           God
           ,
           how
           hated
           of
           him
           ,
           the
           soul
           shall
           never
           more
           look
           upon
           it
           as
           a
           
             small
             matter
          
           ,
           what
           thoughts
           soever
           it
           had
           of
           it
           before
           ,
           whereby
           it
           is
           greatly
           surprized
           .
        
         
           As
           a
           man
           that
           finds
           himself
           somewhat
           distempered
           ,
           sending
           for
           a
           Physician
           of
           skill
           ,
           when
           he
           comes
           ,
           requires
           his
           judgement
           of
           his
           distemper
           .
           He
           considering
           his
           condition
           ,
           tells
           him
           ,
           Alas
           ,
           I
           am
           sorry
           for
           you
           ,
           the
           case
           is
           far
           otherwise
           with
           you
           than
           you
           imagine
           ,
           your
           
             disease
             is
             mortal
          
           ,
           and
           it
           hath
           proceeded
           so
           far
           pressing
           upon
           your
           spirits
           ,
           and
           infecting
           the
           whole
           
             mass
             of
             your
             blood
          
           ,
           that
           I
           doubt
           unless
           most
           effectual
           remedies
           be
           used
           ,
           you
           will
           live
           but
           a
           very
           few
           hours
           .
        
         
           So
           is
           it
           in
           this
           case
           ,
           a
           man
           may
           have
           some
           trouble
           in
           his
           mind
           and
           conscience
           about
           Indwelling-sin
           ;
           he
           finds
           all
           not
           well
           ,
           as
           it
           should
           be
           with
           him
           ,
           more
           from
           the
           effects
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           its
           continual
           eruptions
           ▪
           than
           the
           nature
           of
           it
           ,
           which
           he
           hopes
           to
           wrestle
           
           withall
           :
           but
           now
           when
           the
           Law
           comes
           ,
           that
           lets
           the
           soul
           know
           ,
           that
           its
           disease
           is
           
             deadly
             and
             mortal
          
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           exceding
           sinful
           ,
           as
           being
           the
           root
           and
           cause
           of
           all
           his
           alienation
           from
           God
           ;
           and
           thus
           also
           the
           Law
           proceeds
           against
           it
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           The
           Law
           
             judgeth
             the
             person
          
           ,
           or
           lets
           the
           sinner
           plainly
           know
           what
           he
           is
           to
           expect
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           this
           sin
           .
           This
           is
           the
           Laws
           proper
           work
           ,
           its
           discovering
           property
           is
           but
           preparative
           to
           its
           judging
           .
           The
           Law
           is
           it self
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           in
           the
           Throne
           .
           Here
           it
           minceth
           not
           the
           matter
           with
           sinners
           ,
           as
           we
           use
           to
           do
           one
           with
           another
           ,
           but
           tells
           him
           plainly
           ,
           
             Thou
             art
             the
             man
          
           ,
           in
           whom
           this
           exceeding
           sinful
           sin
           doth
           dwell
           ,
           and
           you
           must
           answer
           for
           the
           guilt
           of
           it
           .
           And
           this
           ,
           methinks
           ,
           if
           any
           thing
           ,
           should
           
             rouze
             up
             a
             man
          
           to
           set
           himself
           in
           opposition
           to
           it
           ,
           yea
           ,
           utterly
           to
           destroy
           it
           .
           The
           Law
           lets
           him
           know
           that
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           this
           sin
           ,
           he
           is
           obnoxious
           to
           the
           curse
           and
           wrath
           of
           the
           great
           God
           against
           him
           ;
           yea
           ,
           pronounceth
           the
           sentence
           of
           
             everlasting
             condemnation
          
           upon
           him
           upon
           that
           account
           :
           abide
           in
           this
           state
           and
           perish
           ,
           is
           its
           language
           .
           It
           leaves
           not
           the
           soul
           without
           this
           warning
           in
           this
           world
           ,
           and
           will
           leave
           it
           without
           excuse
           on
           that
           account
           in
           the
           world
           to
           come
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           The
           Law
           so
           follows
           on
           its
           sentence
           ,
           that
           it
           disquiets
           and
           affrights
           the
           soul
           ,
           and
           suffers
           in
           not
           to
           enjoy
           the
           least
           rest
           or
           quietness
           in
           harbouring
           its
           sinful
           inmate
           .
           When
           ever
           the
           soul
           hath
           indulged
           to
           its
           commands
           ,
           made
           provision
           for
           it
           ,
           immediately
           the
           Law
           
             flies
             upon
             it
          
           ,
           with
           the
           wrath
           and
           terrour
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           makes
           it
           quake
           and
           tremble
           :
           It
           shall
           h●ve
           no
           rest
           ,
           but
           is
           like
           a
           poor
           beast
           th●t
           
           hath
           a
           deadly
           arrow
           sticking
           in
           its
           sides
           ,
           that
           makes
           it
           restless
           where
           ever
           it
           is
           ,
           and
           whatever
           it
           doth
           .
        
         
           Fifthly
           ,
           The
           Law
           stays
           not
           here
           ,
           but
           also
           it
           slays
           the
           soul
           ,
           Rom.
           7.
           3.
           that
           is
           ,
           by
           its
           conviction
           of
           the
           nature
           ,
           power
           ,
           and
           desert
           of
           this
           indwelling-sin
           ,
           it
           deprives
           him
           in
           whom
           it
           is
           of
           all
           that
           life
           of
           
             self-righteousness
             and
             hope
          
           ,
           which
           formerly
           he
           sustained
           himself
           withall
           :
           It
           leaves
           him
           as
           a
           poor
           ,
           dead
           ,
           helpless
           ,
           hopeless
           creature
           .
           And
           all
           this
           in
           the
           pursuit
           of
           that
           opposition
           that
           it
           makes
           against
           this
           sin
           .
           May
           we
           not
           now
           expect
           ,
           that
           the
           power
           of
           it
           will
           be
           quelled
           ,
           and
           its
           strength
           broken
           ;
           that
           it
           will
           die
           away
           before
           these
           strokes
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           ;
           but
           the
           truth
           is
           ,
           such
           is
           its
           power
           and
           strength
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           quite
           otherwise
           ;
           like
           him
           whom
           the
           Poets
           feign
           to
           be
           born
           of
           the
           Earth
           ,
           when
           one
           thought
           to
           slay
           him
           by
           casting
           him
           on
           the
           ground
           ,
           by
           every
           fall
           he
           recovered
           new
           strength
           ,
           and
           was
           more
           vigorous
           than
           formerly
           :
           So
           is
           it
           with
           all
           the
           falls
           and
           repulses
           that
           are
           given
           to
           Indwelling-sin
           by
           the
           Law.
           For
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           It
           is
           not
           conquered
           .
           A
           conquest
           infers
           two
           things
           in
           respect
           of
           the
           conquered
           :
           First
           ,
           
             Loss
             of
             Dominion
          
           ;
           and
           ,
           secondly
           ,
           
             loss
             of
             strength
          
           .
           Where
           ever
           any
           one
           is
           conquered
           ,
           he
           is
           dispoiled
           of
           both
           these
           .
           He
           loseth
           both
           his
           authority
           and
           his
           power
           .
           So
           the
           strong
           man
           armed
           ,
           being
           prevailed
           against
           ,
           he
           is
           bound
           ,
           and
           his
           goods
           are
           spoiled
           .
           But
           now
           neither
           of
           these
           befalls
           Indwelling-sin
           by
           the
           assaults
           of
           the
           Law
           ;
           it
           loseth
           not
           one
           jot
           of
           its
           dominion
           nor
           strength
           by
           all
           the
           blows
           that
           are
           given
           unto
           it
           .
           The
           
             Law
             cannot
          
           do
           this
           thing
           ,
           Rom.
           8.
           3.
           it
           cannot
           deprive
           sin
           of
           its
           power
           and
           d●minion
           ;
           for
           he
           
             that
             is
             under
             the
             L●w
             is
             also
             〈◊〉
             
             sin
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           what
           ever
           power
           the
           Law
           gets
           upon
           the
           conscience
           of
           a
           man
           ,
           so
           that
           he
           fears
           to
           sin
           ,
           lest
           the
           sentence
           and
           curse
           of
           it
           should
           befall
           him
           ,
           yet
           sin
           still
           
             reigns
             and
             rules
          
           in
           his
           heart
           .
           Therefore
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           Rom.
           6.
           14.
           
           
             Sin
             shall
             not
             have
             dominion
             over
             you
             ,
             for
             you
             are
             not
             under
             the
             Law
             but
             under
             Grace
          
           ;
           intimating
           plainly
           that
           though
           a
           Person
           be
           in
           never
           so
           much
           subjection
           to
           the
           Authority
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           yet
           that
           will
           not
           exempt
           and
           acquit
           him
           from
           the
           
             dominion
             of
             sin
          
           .
           Yea
           ,
           the
           Law
           by
           all
           its
           work
           upon
           the
           Soul
           ,
           instead
           of
           freeing
           and
           acquitting
           it
           from
           the
           reign
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           bondage
           unto
           it
           ,
           doth
           accidentally
           greatly
           increase
           its
           misery
           and
           bondage
           ;
           As
           the
           sentence
           of
           the
           Judge
           on
           the
           Bench
           against
           a
           Malefactor
           adds
           to
           his
           misery
           .
           The
           Soul
           is
           under
           the
           
             dominion
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           and
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           abides
           in
           its
           wofull
           condition
           in
           much
           security
           ;
           fearing
           neither
           Sin
           nor
           Judgement
           .
           The
           Law
           setting
           upon
           him
           in
           this
           condition
           by
           all
           the
           wayes
           forementioned
           ,
           brings
           him
           into
           great
           trouble
           and
           perplexity
           ,
           fear
           and
           terrour
           ,
           but
           
             delivers
             him
             not
             at
             all
          
           .
           So
           that
           it
           is
           with
           the
           Soul
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           with
           the
           Israelites
           when
           Moses
           had
           delivered
           his
           Message
           unto
           Pharaoh
           ,
           they
           were
           so
           far
           from
           getting
           liberty
           by
           it
           ,
           that
           their
           bondage
           was
           increased
           ,
           
             and
             they
             found
             that
             they
             were
             in
             a
             very
             evil
             case
          
           ;
           Exod.
           5.
           17.
           yea
           and
           we
           shall
           see
           ,
           that
           sin
           doth
           like
           Pharaoh
           ;
           finding
           its
           rule
           disturbed
           ,
           it
           grows
           more
           
             outragiously
             oppressive
          
           ,
           and
           doubles
           the
           bondage
           of
           their
           Souls
           .
           This
           is
           not
           then
           the
           work
           of
           the
           Law
           to
           destroy
           sin
           ,
           or
           deprive
           it
           of
           that
           dominion
           which
           it
           hath
           by
           nature
           .
        
         
           Nor
           doth
           it
           by
           all
           these
           
             stroaks
             of
             the
             Law
          
           lose
           any
           thing
           of
           its
           strength
           .
           It
           continues
           both
           its
           
           authority
           and
           its
           force
           ;
           It
           is
           neither
           destroyed
           ,
           nor
           weakned
           .
           Yea
           ,
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           is
           so
           far
           from
           being
           conquered
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           only
           enraged
           .
           The
           whole
           work
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           doth
           only
           provoke
           and
           enrage
           sin
           ;
           and
           cause
           it
           as
           it
           hath
           opportunity
           ,
           to
           put
           out
           its
           strength
           with
           more
           power
           and
           vigour
           and
           force
           than
           formerly
           .
           This
           the
           Apostle
           shews
           at
           large
           ,
           Rom.
           7.
           9
           ,
           10
           ,
           11
           ,
           12
           ,
           13.
           
        
         
           But
           you
           will
           say
           ,
           Do
           we
           not
           see
           it
           by
           experience
           ;
           that
           many
           are
           wrought
           upon
           by
           the
           
             preaching
             of
             the
             Law
          
           to
           a
           relinquishment
           of
           many
           sins
           ,
           and
           amendment
           of
           their
           Lives
           ,
           and
           to
           a
           great
           contending
           against
           the
           Eruptions
           of
           those
           other
           corruptions
           which
           they
           cannot
           yet
           mortifie
           ;
           and
           it
           cannot
           be
           denyed
           ,
           but
           that
           great
           is
           the
           power
           and
           efficacy
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           when
           preached
           and
           applyed
           to
           the
           Conscience
           in
           a
           due
           manner
           :
           I
           answer
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           It
           is
           acknowledged
           ,
           that
           very
           great
           and
           effectual
           is
           the
           power
           of
           the
           Law
           of
           God.
           Great
           are
           the
           effects
           that
           are
           wrought
           by
           it
           ;
           and
           it
           shall
           surely
           accomplish
           every
           end
           for
           which
           of
           God
           it
           is
           appointed
           .
           But
           yet
           the
           
             subduing
             of
             sin
          
           ,
           is
           none
           of
           its
           work
           ;
           it
           is
           not
           designed
           of
           God
           unto
           that
           purpose
           ;
           and
           therefore
           it
           is
           no
           dishonour
           ,
           if
           it
           cannot
           do
           that
           which
           is
           not
           its
           proper
           work
           ,
           Rom.
           8.
           3.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Whatever
           effects
           it
           have
           upon
           some
           ,
           yet
           we
           see
           that
           in
           the
           most
           ,
           such
           is
           the
           power
           and
           prevalency
           of
           sin
           ,
           that
           it
           takes
           no
           impression
           at
           all
           upon
           them
           .
           May
           you
           not
           see
           every
           where
           men
           living
           many
           years
           in
           Congregations
           where
           the
           
             Law
             is
             powerfully
             preached
          
           ,
           and
           applyed
           unto
           the
           Consciences
           as
           to
           all
           the
           ends
           and
           purposes
           for
           which
           the
           Lord
           is
           pleased
           to
           make
           use
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           not
           once
           be
           moved
           by
           it
           ;
           that
           receive
           no
           more
           
           impression
           from
           the
           stroaks
           of
           it
           ,
           than
           blows
           with
           a
           straw
           would
           give
           to
           an
           Adamant
           .
           They
           are
           neither
           convinced
           by
           it
           ,
           nor
           terrifyed
           ,
           nor
           awed
           ,
           nor
           instructed
           ,
           but
           continue
           deaf
           ,
           ignorant
           ,
           senless
           ,
           secure
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           had
           never
           been
           told
           of
           the
           guilt
           of
           sin
           ,
           or
           terrour
           of
           the
           Lord.
           Such
           as
           these
           are
           Congregations
           full
           of
           ,
           who
           proclaim
           the
           
             triumphing
             power
          
           of
           sin
           ,
           over
           the
           dispensation
           of
           the
           Law.
           
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           When
           any
           of
           the
           Effects
           mentioned
           are
           wrought
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           from
           the
           power
           of
           
             the
             letter
             of
             the
             Law
          
           ,
           but
           from
           the
           actual
           efficacy
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           putting
           forth
           his
           vertue
           &
           power
           for
           that
           end
           and
           purpose
           ;
           And
           we
           deny
           not
           but
           that
           the
           Spirit
           of
           the
           Lord
           is
           able
           to
           restrain
           and
           quell
           the
           power
           of
           lust
           when
           he
           pleaseth
           ;
           and
           some
           wayes
           whereby
           he
           is
           pleased
           so
           to
           do
           we
           have
           formerly
           considered
           .
           But
           ,
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           Notwithstanding
           all
           that
           may
           be
           observed
           of
           the
           
             power
             of
             the
             Law
          
           upon
           the
           Souls
           of
           Men
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           most
           evident
           that
           Lust
           is
           not
           conquered
           ,
           nor
           subdued
           ,
           nor
           mortified
           by
           it
           .
           For
           ,
        
         
           First
           ,
           Though
           the
           course
           of
           sin
           may
           be
           repelled
           for
           a
           season
           by
           the
           dispensation
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           yet
           the
           Spring
           and
           Fountain
           of
           it
           ,
           is
           not
           dryed
           up
           thereby
           ,
           Though
           it
           withdraws
           and
           hides
           it self
           for
           a
           season
           ,
           it
           is
           as
           I
           have
           elsewhere
           shewed
           ,
           but
           to
           shift
           out
           of
           a
           storm
           ,
           and
           then
           to
           return
           again
           .
           As
           a
           Travailer
           ,
           in
           his
           way
           meeting
           with
           a
           violent
           storm
           of
           thunder
           and
           rain
           ,
           immediately
           turns
           out
           of
           his
           way
           ,
           to
           some
           House
           or
           Tree
           for
           his
           shelter
           ;
           but
           yet
           this
           causeth
           him
           not
           to
           
             give
             over
             his
             Journey
          
           ;
           so
           soon
           as
           the
           storm
           is
           over
           ,
           he
           returns
           to
           his
           way
           and
           progress
           again
           .
           So
           is
           it
           with
           Men
           in
           bondage
           unto
           sin
           :
           They
           are
           in
           a
           course
           of
           pursuing
           their
           lusts
           ;
           the
           Law
           meets
           with
           them
           in
           a
           storm
           of
           thunder
           and
           lightning
           
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           terrifies
           and
           hinders
           them
           in
           their
           way
           ;
           this
           turns
           them
           for
           a
           season
           out
           of
           their
           course
           ,
           they
           will
           run
           to
           prayer
           or
           amendment
           of
           life
           ,
           for
           some
           shelter
           from
           the
           storm
           of
           wrath
           which
           is
           feared
           coming
           upon
           their
           Consciences
           .
           But
           is
           their
           course
           stopped
           ,
           are
           their
           Principles
           altered
           ?
           not
           at
           all
           ;
           so
           soon
           as
           the
           storm
           is
           over
           ,
           that
           they
           begin
           to
           wear
           out
           that
           sense
           and
           the
           terrour
           that
           was
           upon
           them
           ,
           they
           return
           to
           their
           former
           course
           ,
           in
           the
           service
           of
           sin
           again
           .
           This
           was
           the
           state
           with
           Pharaoh
           once
           and
           again
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           In
           such
           seasons
           sin
           is
           not
           conquered
           but
           diverted
           .
           When
           it
           seems
           to
           fall
           under
           the
           power
           of
           the
           Law
           ,
           indeed
           it
           is
           only
           turned
           into
           a
           new
           channell
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           dryed
           up
           .
           If
           you
           go
           and
           set
           a
           damm
           against
           the
           streams
           of
           a
           River
           ,
           that
           you
           suffer
           no
           water
           to
           pass
           in
           the
           old
           course
           and
           channel
           ,
           but
           it
           breaks
           out
           another
           way
           ,
           and
           turns
           all
           its
           streams
           in
           a
           new
           course
           ,
           you
           will
           not
           say
           you
           have
           
             dryed
             up
             that
             River
          
           ;
           though
           some
           that
           come
           and
           look
           into
           the
           
             old
             channel
          
           may
           think
           perhaps
           that
           the
           waters
           are
           utterly
           gone
           ;
           so
           is
           it
           in
           this
           case
           ;
           the
           streams
           of
           sin
           it
           may
           be
           run
           in
           open
           sensuality
           ,
           and
           profaneness
           ;
           in
           drunkenness
           and
           vitiousness
           ;
           the
           
             preaching
             of
             the
             Law
          
           sets
           a
           damm
           against
           these
           course
           ;
           Conscience
           is
           terrified
           ,
           and
           the
           Man
           dares
           not
           walk
           in
           the
           wayes
           wherein
           he
           hath
           been
           formerly
           ingaged
           ;
           His
           Companions
           in
           sin
           not
           finding
           him
           in
           his
           
             old
             wayes
          
           begin
           to
           laugh
           at
           him
           ,
           as
           one
           that
           is
           converted
           and
           growing
           precise
           ;
           Professors
           themselves
           begin
           to
           be
           perswaded
           ,
           that
           the
           work
           of
           God
           is
           upon
           his
           heart
           ,
           because
           they
           see
           his
           old
           streams
           dryed
           up
           ;
           but
           if
           there
           have
           been
           only
           a
           
             work
             of
             the
             Law
          
           upon
           him
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           damm
           put
           to
           his
           course
           ,
           but
           the
           
           
             Spring
             of
             sin
          
           is
           not
           dryed
           up
           ,
           only
           the
           streams
           of
           it
           are
           turned
           another
           way
           :
           It
           may
           be
           the
           Man
           is
           fallen
           upon
           other
           more
           secret
           ,
           or
           more
           spiritual
           sins
           ;
           or
           if
           he
           be
           beat
           from
           them
           also
           ,
           the
           whole
           strength
           of
           lust
           and
           sin
           will
           take
           up
           its
           residence
           in
           self-righteousness
           ,
           and
           pour
           out
           thereby
           as
           filthy
           streams
           as
           in
           any
           other
           way
           whatever
           .
           So
           that
           notwithstanding
           the
           
             whole
             work
             of
             the
             Law
          
           upon
           the
           Souls
           of
           Men
           ,
           Indwelling-sin
           will
           keep
           alive
           in
           them
           still
           ,
           which
           is
           another
           evidence
           of
           its
           great
           power
           and
           strength
           .
        
         
           I
           shall
           yet
           touch
           upon
           some
           other
           evidences
           of
           the
           same
           truth
           ,
           that
           I
           have
           under
           consideration
           ;
           but
           I
           shall
           be
           brief
           in
           them
           :
           In
           the
           next
           place
           then
           ,
           the
           great
           
             endeavours
             of
             Men
             ignorant
             of
             the
             Righteousness
             of
             Christ
          
           for
           the
           subduing
           and
           mortifying
           of
           sin
           ,
           which
           are
           all
           fruitless
           ,
           do
           evidence
           the
           great
           strength
           and
           power
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           Men
           who
           have
           no
           
             strength
             against
             sin
          
           ,
           may
           yet
           be
           made
           sensible
           of
           the
           
             strength
             of
             sin
          
           .
           The
           way
           whereby
           for
           the
           most
           part
           they
           come
           to
           that
           knowledge
           ,
           is
           by
           some
           previous
           sense
           that
           they
           have
           of
           the
           guilt
           of
           sin
           .
           This
           Men
           have
           by
           the
           Light
           of
           their
           Consciences
           ;
           they
           cannot
           avoid
           it
           :
           This
           is
           not
           a
           thing
           in
           their
           choyce
           ,
           whether
           they
           will
           or
           no
           ,
           they
           cannot
           but
           know
           sin
           to
           be
           evil
           ,
           and
           that
           such
           an
           evil
           that
           renders
           them
           obnoxious
           to
           the
           Judgement
           of
           God.
           This
           galls
           the
           Minds
           and
           Consciences
           of
           some
           so
           far
           ,
           as
           that
           they
           are
           kept
           in
           awe
           ,
           and
           d●re
           not
           sin
           as
           they
           would
           .
           Being
           awed
           with
           a
           sense
           of
           the
           guilt
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           the
           terrour
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           Men
           begin
           to
           endeavour
           to
           
             abstain
             from
             sin
          
           ,
           at
           least
           from
           such
           sins
           as
           they
           have
           been
           most
           terrified
           ●bout
           .
           Whilest
           they
           have
           this
           design
           in
           hand
           ,
           the
           
           strength
           and
           power
           of
           sin
           begins
           to
           discover
           it self
           unto
           them
           ;
           They
           begin
           to
           finde
           that
           there
           is
           
             something
             in
             them
          
           ,
           that
           is
           not
           in
           their
           own
           power
           ;
           for
           notwithstanding
           their
           resolutions
           and
           purposes
           ,
           they
           
             sin
             still
          
           ;
           and
           that
           so
           ,
           or
           in
           such
           a
           manner
           ,
           as
           that
           their
           Consciences
           inform
           them
           that
           they
           must
           therefore
           perish
           eternally
           .
           This
           puts
           them
           on
           self-endeavours
           to
           suppress
           the
           eruption
           of
           sin
           ,
           because
           they
           cannot
           be
           quiet
           unless
           so
           they
           do
           ;
           nor
           have
           any
           rest
           or
           peace
           within
           .
           Now
           being
           ignorant
           of
           that
           only
           way
           whereby
           sin
           is
           to
           be
           mortified
           ,
           that
           is
           
             by
             the
             Spirit
             of
             Christ
          
           ,
           they
           fix
           on
           many
           wayes
           in
           their
           own
           strength
           to
           suppress
           it
           ,
           if
           not
           to
           slay
           it
           ;
           as
           being
           ignorant
           of
           that
           only
           way
           whereby
           Consciences
           burthened
           with
           the
           guilt
           of
           sin
           may
           be
           pacified
           ,
           that
           is
           by
           the
           blood
           of
           Christ
           ;
           they
           endeavour
           by
           many
           other
           wayes
           to
           accomplish
           that
           end
           in
           vain
           ;
           for
           no
           Man
           by
           any
           self-endeavours
           can
           obtain
           peace
           with
           God.
           Some
           of
           the
           wayes
           whereby
           they
           endeavour
           to
           suppress
           the
           power
           of
           sin
           ,
           which
           casts
           them
           into
           an
           unquiet
           condition
           ,
           and
           their
           insufficiency
           for
           that
           end
           ,
           we
           must
           look
           into
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           They
           will
           promise
           and
           bind
           themselves
           by
           Vows
           from
           those
           sins
           ,
           which
           they
           have
           been
           most
           liable
           unto
           ,
           and
           so
           have
           been
           most
           perplexed
           withall
           .
           The
           Psalmist
           shews
           this
           to
           be
           one
           great
           Engine
           whereby
           false
           and
           hypocritical
           Persons
           do
           endeavour
           to
           extricate
           and
           deliver
           themselves
           out
           of
           trouble
           and
           perplexity
           ;
           They
           make
           
             Promises
             to
             God
          
           ;
           which
           he
           calls
           ,
           
             flutering
             him
             with
             the
             lips
          
           ,
           Psal.
           78.
           36.
           
           So
           is
           it
           in
           this
           case
           ;
           being
           freshly
           galled
           with
           the
           guilt
           of
           any
           sin
           ,
           that
           by
           the
           power
           of
           their
           temptations
           ,
           they
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           have
           frequently
           been
           overtaken
           in
           ,
           they
           vow
           and
           promise
           ,
           that
           at
           least
           for
           some
           
           
             such
             space
             of
             time
          
           as
           they
           will
           limit
           ,
           they
           will
           not
           commit
           that
           sin
           again
           ,
           and
           this
           course
           of
           proceeding
           is
           prescribed
           unto
           them
           by
           some
           who
           pretend
           to
           direct
           their
           Consciences
           in
           this
           Duty
           .
           Conscience
           of
           this
           ,
           now
           makes
           them
           watch
           over
           themselves
           as
           to
           the
           outward
           act
           of
           the
           sin
           that
           they
           are
           galled
           with
           ;
           and
           so
           it
           hath
           one
           of
           these
           two
           effects
           ;
           for
           either
           they
           do
           abstain
           from
           it
           for
           the
           time
           they
           have
           prefixed
           ;
           or
           they
           do
           not
           :
           If
           they
           do
           not
           ,
           as
           seldom
           they
           do
           ,
           especially
           if
           it
           be
           a
           sin
           that
           hath
           a
           peculiar
           root
           in
           their
           nature
           and
           constitution
           ,
           and
           is
           improved
           by
           custom
           into
           an
           habit
           ,
           if
           any
           suitable
           temptation
           be
           presented
           unto
           them
           ;
           their
           sin
           is
           increased
           ,
           and
           therewith
           their
           terrour
           ,
           and
           they
           are
           wofully
           discouraged
           in
           making
           any
           opposition
           to
           sin
           ;
           and
           therefore
           for
           the
           most
           part
           after
           one
           or
           two
           vain
           attempts
           ,
           or
           more
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           knowing
           no
           other
           way
           to
           mortifie
           sin
           ,
           but
           this
           of
           vowing
           against
           it
           ,
           and
           keeping
           of
           that
           Vow
           in
           their
           own
           strength
           ,
           they
           give
           over
           
             all
             contests
          
           ,
           and
           become
           wholly
           the
           servants
           of
           sin
           ,
           being
           bounded
           only
           by
           outward
           considerations
           ,
           without
           any
           serious
           endeavours
           for
           a
           recovery
           .
           Or
           Secondly
           ,
           suppose
           that
           they
           have
           success
           in
           their
           Resolutions
           ,
           and
           do
           abstain
           from
           actual
           sins
           their
           appointed
           season
           ;
           commonly
           one
           of
           these
           two
           things
           ensue
           ;
           either
           they
           think
           that
           they
           have
           
             well
             discharged
             their
             Duty
          
           ,
           and
           so
           may
           a
           little
           now
           ,
           at
           least
           for
           a
           season
           ,
           indulge
           to
           their
           corruptions
           ,
           and
           lusts
           ,
           and
           so
           are
           entangled
           again
           in
           the
           same
           snares
           of
           sin
           as
           formerly
           ;
           or
           else
           they
           reckon
           that
           their
           
             vow
             and
             promise
          
           hath
           preserved
           them
           ,
           and
           so
           
             sacrifice
             to
             their
             own
             net
             and
             drag
             ,
          
           setting
           up
           a
           Righteousness
           of
           their
           own
           against
           the
           grace
           of
           God
           ;
           which
           is
           so
           far
           from
           weakning
           Indwelling-sin
           ,
           that
           
           it
           strengthens
           it
           in
           the
           root
           and
           Principle
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           hereafter
           reign
           in
           the
           Soul
           in
           security
           .
           Or
           at
           the
           most
           ,
           the
           best
           success
           that
           can
           be
           imagined
           unto
           this
           way
           of
           dealing
           with
           sin
           ,
           is
           but
           the
           restraining
           of
           some
           outward
           eruptions
           of
           it
           ,
           which
           tends
           nothing
           to
           the
           weakning
           of
           its
           power
           ;
           and
           therefore
           such
           persons
           by
           all
           their
           endeavours
           are
           very
           far
           from
           being
           freed
           from
           the
           inward
           
             toyling
             ,
             burning
          
           ,
           disquieting
           ,
           perplexing
           power
           of
           sin
           .
           And
           this
           is
           the
           state
           of
           most
           Men
           that
           are
           kept
           in
           bondage
           under
           the
           power
           of
           conviction
           ;
           Hell
           ,
           Death
           ,
           and
           the
           Wrath
           of
           God
           are
           continually
           presented
           unto
           their
           Consciences
           ;
           this
           makes
           them
           labour
           with
           all
           their
           strength
           against
           that
           in
           sin
           which
           most
           enrageth
           their
           Consciences
           ,
           and
           most
           increaseth
           their
           fears
           ;
           that
           is
           the
           
             actual
             eruption
          
           of
           it
           ;
           for
           ,
           for
           the
           most
           part
           while
           they
           are
           freed
           from
           that
           ,
           they
           are
           fafe
           ;
           though
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           ,
           sin
           lye
           tumultuating
           in
           and
           defiling
           of
           the
           heart
           continually
           .
           As
           with
           running
           fores
           ,
           outward
           
             repelling
             medicines
          
           may
           skin
           them
           over
           ,
           and
           hinder
           their
           corruption
           from
           coming
           forth
           ;
           but
           the
           issue
           of
           them
           is
           ,
           that
           they
           cause
           them
           to
           fester
           inwardly
           ,
           and
           so
           prove
           ,
           though
           it
           may
           be
           not
           so
           noysome
           and
           offensive
           as
           they
           were
           before
           ,
           yet
           far
           more
           dangero●●
           So
           is
           it
           with
           this
           repelling
           of
           the
           power
           of
           co●●●ption
           by
           
             Mens
             Vows
          
           ,
           and
           promises
           against
           it
           ;
           
             external
             eruptions
          
           are
           it
           may
           be
           restrained
           for
           a
           season
           ;
           but
           the
           
             inward
             root
          
           and
           principle
           is
           not
           weakned
           in
           the
           least
           .
           And
           most
           commonly
           this
           is
           the
           issue
           of
           this
           way
           ;
           that
           sin
           having
           gotten
           more
           strength
           ,
           and
           being
           enraged
           by
           its
           restraint
           ,
           breaks
           all
           its
           bounds
           ,
           and
           captivates
           the
           Soul
           unto
           all
           filthy
           abominations
           ;
           which
           is
           the
           Principle
           as
           was
           before
           observed
           
           of
           most
           of
           the
           
             visible
             Apostasies
          
           which
           we
           have
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           2
           Pet.
           2.
           19
           ,
           20.
           
        
         
           The
           Holy
           Ghost
           compares
           sinners
           ,
           because
           of
           the
           odious
           ,
           fierce
           ,
           poysonous
           nature
           of
           this
           Indwelling-sin
           ,
           unto
           
             Lyons
             ,
             Bears
          
           ,
           and
           
             Asps
             ,
             Isa.
          
           11.
           6
           ,
           7
           ,
           8
           ,
           9.
           
           Now
           this
           is
           the
           excellency
           of
           Gospel-grace
           ,
           that
           it
           changes
           the
           Nature
           and
           inward
           Principles
           of
           these
           otherwise
           passionate
           and
           untamed
           Beasts
           ,
           making
           the
           Wolf
           as
           the
           Kid
           ,
           the
           Lyon
           as
           the
           Lan●
           ,
           and
           the
           Bear
           as
           the
           Cow.
           When
           this
           is
           effected
           ,
           they
           may
           safely
           be
           trusted
           in
           ;
           a
           
             little
             Childe
             may
             lead
             them
          
           :
           But
           these
           self-endeavours
           do
           not
           〈◊〉
           all
           change
           the
           Nature
           ,
           but
           restrain
           their
           outwar●
           violence
           :
           He
           that
           takes
           a
           Lyon
           ,
           or
           a
           Wolf
           ,
           and
           shuts
           him
           up
           from
           ravening
           ,
           whilest
           yet
           his
           inward
           violence
           remains
           ,
           may
           well
           expect
           that
           〈◊〉
           one
           time
           or
           other
           they
           will
           break
           their
           bonds
           ,
           and
           fall
           to
           their
           former
           wayes
           of
           rapine
           and
           violence
           .
           However
           ,
           shutting
           them
           up
           ,
           doth
           not
           as
           we
           see
           ,
           change
           their
           Natures
           ,
           but
           only
           restrain
           their
           rag●
           from
           doing
           open
           spoyl
           .
           So
           it
           is
           in
           this
           case
           ;
           it
           is
           Grace
           alone
           that
           
             changeth
             the
             heart
          
           ,
           and
           takes
           away
           that
           poyson
           and
           fiercerness
           that
           is
           in
           them
           by
           nature
           ;
           Mens
           self-endeavours
           do
           b●●
           coerce
           them
           as
           to
           some
           outward
           eruptions
           .
           But
           ,
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Beyond
           bare
           
             Vows
             and
             Promises
          
           with
           some
           watchfulness
           to
           observe
           them
           in
           a
           rational
           use
           of
           ordinary
           means
           ,
           Men
           have
           put
           ,
           and
           some
           do
           yet
           put
           themselves
           on
           
             extraordinary
             wayes
          
           of
           mortifying
           sin
           .
           This
           is
           the
           foundation
           of
           all
           that
           hath
           
             a
             shew
             of
             Wisdom
             and
             Religion
          
           in
           the
           Papacy
           ;
           their
           hours
           of
           Prayer
           ,
           Fastings
           ,
           their
           immuring
           and
           cloystering
           themselves
           ,
           their
           Pilgrimages
           ,
           Penances
           ,
           
           and
           self-torturing
           Discipline
           ,
           spring
           all
           from
           this
           root
           .
           I
           shall
           not
           speak
           of
           the
           
             innumerable
             evils
          
           that
           have
           attended
           these
           self-invented
           wayes
           of
           Mortification
           ,
           and
           how
           they
           all
           of
           them
           have
           been
           turned
           into
           means
           ,
           occasions
           ,
           and
           advantages
           of
           sinning
           ;
           nor
           of
           
             the
             horrible
             hypocrisie
          
           which
           evidently
           cleaves
           unto
           the
           most
           of
           their
           Observers
           ;
           nor
           of
           that
           superstition
           which
           gives
           life
           to
           them
           all
           ,
           being
           a
           thing
           riveted
           in
           the
           natures
           of
           some
           ,
           and
           their
           constitutions
           ,
           fixed
           on
           others
           by
           inveterate
           prejudices
           ;
           and
           the
           same
           by
           others
           taken
           up
           for
           secular
           advantages
           ;
           but
           I
           will
           suppose
           the
           best
           that
           can
           be
           made
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           it
           will
           be
           found
           to
           be
           
             a
             self-invented
             design
          
           of
           Men
           ignorant
           of
           the
           Righteousness
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           give
           a
           check
           to
           this
           power
           of
           Indwelling-sin
           whereof
           we
           speak
           .
           And
           it
           's
           almost
           incredible
           ,
           what
           fearfull
           self-macerations
           ,
           and
           horrible
           sufferings
           this
           design
           hath
           carryed
           Men
           out
           unto
           :
           And
           undoubtedly
           their
           
             blind
             zeal
             and
             superstition
          
           will
           rise
           in
           judgement
           ,
           and
           condemn
           the
           horrible
           sloth
           and
           negligence
           of
           the
           most
           of
           them
           to
           whom
           the
           Lord
           hath
           granted
           the
           saving
           Light
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
           But
           what
           is
           the
           end
           of
           these
           things
           ?
           The
           Apostle
           in
           brief
           gives
           us
           an
           account
           ;
           Rom.
           9.
           31
           ,
           32.
           
           
             They
             attain
             not
             the
             Righteousness
             aimed
             at
          
           ;
           they
           come
           not
           up
           unto
           a
           conformity
           to
           the
           Law
           ;
           
             sin
             is
             not
             mortified
          
           ;
           no
           nor
           the
           power
           of
           it
           weakned
           ;
           but
           what
           it
           loseth
           in
           sensual
           ,
           in
           carnal
           pleasures
           ,
           it
           takes
           up
           with
           great
           advantage
           ,
           in
           blindness
           ,
           darkness
           ,
           superstition
           ,
           self-righteousness
           ,
           and
           soul-pride
           ,
           contempt
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           the
           righteousness
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           reigns
           no
           less
           ,
           than
           in
           the
           most
           proffigate
           sinners
           in
           the
           World.
           
        
         
         
           Lastly
           ,
           The
           strength
           ,
           efficacy
           and
           power
           of
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin
           ,
           may
           be
           farther
           evidenced
           from
           its
           life
           and
           in-being
           in
           the
           Soul
           ,
           notwithstanding
           the
           wound
           that
           is
           given
           unto
           it
           ,
           in
           the
           first
           conversion
           of
           the
           Soul
           to
           God
           ;
           and
           the
           continual
           opposition
           that
           is
           made
           unto
           it
           by
           Grace
           .
           But
           this
           is
           the
           subject
           and
           design
           of
           another
           Endeavour
           .
        
         
           It
           may
           now
           be
           expected
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           here
           adde
           the
           especial
           Vses
           of
           all
           this
           discovery
           that
           hath
           been
           made
           of
           the
           
             Power
             ,
             Deceit
             ,
             Prevalency
          
           and
           Success
           ,
           of
           this
           great
           Adversary
           of
           our
           Souls
           .
           But
           as
           for
           what
           concerns
           that
           Humility
           ,
           self-Abasement
           ,
           Watchfulness
           ,
           Diligence
           ,
           and
           Application
           unto
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           for
           relief
           ,
           which
           will
           become
           those
           who
           find
           in
           themselves
           by
           Experience
           the
           power
           of
           this
           Law
           of
           Sin
           ,
           have
           been
           occasionally
           mentioned
           and
           inculcated
           through
           the
           whole
           preceding
           Discourse
           ,
           so
           for
           what
           concerns
           the
           actual
           Mortification
           of
           it
           ,
           I
           shall
           only
           recommend
           unto
           the
           Reader
           for
           his
           Direction
           ,
           another
           small
           Treatise
           written
           long
           since
           unto
           that
           purpose
           ,
           which
           I
           suppose
           he
           may
           do
           well
           to
           consider
           together
           with
           this
           ,
           if
           he
           find
           these
           things
           to
           be
           his
           Concernment
           .
        
         
           
             To
             the
             Only
             Wise
             God
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             be
             Glory
             and
             Majesty
             ,
             Dominion
             ,
             and
             Power
             ,
             both
             Now
             and
             Ever
             .
          
           Amen
           .
        
         
           FINIS
           .