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 Avhat 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 withal ; as the manner will be where unsearchableness and deceitfulness are to be contended with.
There are many other properties of this seat 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 there- fore I shall pass these over with some few considerations : —
First, 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 thoroughly won the field, there is still some reserve remain- ing that we saw not, that we kneAV not of. Many conquerors have been ruined by their carelessness after a victoiy, and many have been spiritually wounded after great successes against this enemy. David was so ; his great surprisal 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 dis- tinctly be spoken to afterward. 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 end-
SEAT OF SIN IN THE HEART. 1 75
less in our pursuit. And that command of the apostle which we have, Col. iii. 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 be- ginning of it : " Mortify therefore your members which are upon 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 earned on ; sin is much weakened, so that the soul presseth for- wards towtirds 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 itself 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 v/as 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 as- suredly a conqueror.
Secondly, Hath it its residence in that which is various, incon- stant, deceitful above all things? This calls for perpetual watchful- ness 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 neces- sary, especially that, " Remember not to believe.'' Doth the heart pro- mise 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 the heart to the uttermost, and knows how to prevent all its treacheries and deceits. In the things before men-
176 THE NATURE AND POWER OF INDWELLING SIN.
tioned lies our duty, but here lies our safety. There is no treacherous comer in our hearts but he can search it to the uttermost; there is no deceit in them but he can disappoint it. This course David takes, Ps. cxxxix. After he had set forth the omnipresence of God and his omniscience, verses 1-10, he makes improvement of it: verse 23, " Search me, O God, and try me." As if he had said, " It is but a little that I know of my deceitful heart, only I Avould 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 be- fore, undertake this work, perform it thoroughly, for thou alone art able so to do."