Ans. 1. [As] for that peace and order which is pretended to be in the minds of men under the power of sin, and not sanctified, it is like that which is in hell and the kingdom of darkness. Satan is not divided against himself, nor is there such a confusion and dis- order in his kingdom as to destroy it, but it hath a consistency from the common end of all that is in it; which is, an opposition unto God and all that is good. Such a peace and order there may be in an
CHAP, v.] OUR CONDITION IN THIS WORLD, 645
unsanctified mind. There being no active principle in it for God and that which is spiritually good, all works one way, and all its troubled streams have the same course. But yet they continually " cast up mire and dirt." There is only that peace in such minds which the "strong man armed," that is, Satan, keeps his goods in, until a stronger than he comes to bind him. And if any one think that peace and order to be sufficient for him, wherein his mind in all its faculties acts uniformly against God, or for self, sin, and the world, without any opposition or contradiction, he may find as much in hell when he comes there.
2. There is a difference between a confusion and a rebellion. Where confusion is in a state, all rule or government is dissolved, and every thing is let loose unto the utmost disorder and evil; but where the rule is firm and stable, there may be rebellions that may give some parts and places disturbance and damage, but yet the whole state is not disordered thereby. So is it in the condition of a sanctified soul on account of the remainders of sin; there may be re- hellion in it, but there is no confusion. Grace keeps the rule in the mind and heart firm and stable, so that there is peace and assurance unto the whole state of the person, though lusts and corruptions will be rebelling and warring against it. The divine order, therefore, of the soul consisting in the rule of grace, subordinating all to God in Christ, is never overthrown by the rebellion of sin at any time, be it never so vigorous or prevalent. But in the state of unsanctified per- sons, though there be no rebellion, yet is there nothing but con- fusion. Sin hath the rule and dominion in them; and however men may be pleased with it for a season, yet is it nothing but a per- fect disorder, because it is a continual opposition to God. It is a tyranny that overthrows all law, and rule, end order, with respect unto our last and chiefest end.
3. The soul of a believer hath such satisfaction in this conflict as that its peace is not ordinarily disturbed, and is never quite over- thrown by it. Such a person knows sin to be his enemy, knows its design, with the aids and assistances which are prepared for him against its deceit and violence; and, considering the nature and end of this contest, is satisfied with it. Yea, the greatest hardships that sin can reduce a believer unto do but put him to the exercise of those graces and duties wherein he receiveth great spiritual satisfac- tion. Such are repentance, humiliation, godly sorrow, self-abase- ment and abhorrency, with fervent outcries for deliverance. Now, although these things seem to have that which is grievous and dolor- ous prevailing in them, yet the graces of the Spirit of God being acted in them, they are so suited unto the nature of the new creature, and so belong unto the spiritual order of the soul, that it finds secret
Gi6 NECESSITY OF HOLINESS FKOM [BOOK V.
satisfaction in them all. But the trouble others meet withal in their own hearts and minds on the account of sin is from the severe reflec- tions of their consciences only; and they receive them no otherwise but as certain presages and predictions of future and eternal misery. 4 A sanctified person is secured of success in this conflict, which keeps blessed peace and order in his soul during its continuance. There is a twofold success against the rebellious actings of the re- mainders oi indwelling sin: — (1.) In particidar instances; (2.) In the whole cause. And in both these have we sufficient assurance of success, if we be not wanting unto ourselves.
(1.) For suppose the contest be considered with respect unto any particular lust and corruption, and that in conjunction with some powerful temptation, we have sufficient and blessed assurance, that, abiding in the diligent use of the ways and means assigned unto us, and the improvement of the assistance provided in the covenant of grace, we shall not so fail of actual success as that lust should con- ceive, bring forth, and finish sin, James i. 15. But if we be want- ing unto ourselves, negligent in our known duties and principal concerns, it is no wonder if we are sometimes cast into disorder, and foiled by the power of sin. But, —
(2.) As to the general success in the whole cause, — namely, that sin shall not utterly deface the image of God in us, nor absolutely ox finally ruin our souls, which is its end and tendency, — we have the covenant faithfulness of God (which will not fail us) for our security, Rom. vi. 14.