This is the sum 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, especiall}' 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 gi'eatness, glory, holiness, power, majesty, and autho- rity ; of ourselves, in our mean, abject, and smful condition. Now, of all things in our condition, there is nothing so suited unto this end and purpose as that which lies before us; namel}^, 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 itself 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 whatever of evil and corruption lies therein. The prophet says of Ephraim, Hos. x. 11, "He loved to tread out the corn;" he loved to work when he might eat, to have always the corn before him: but God, says 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
OPPOSITION OF SIN UNTO GOD. 201
free love, and suppose they find food therein; however, it is evi- dent 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 inquiring- after the weeds and briers 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 itself. It may be some, who are wise and gyown in other truths, may yet be so little skilled in searching their own hearts, that they may be slow in the percep- tion 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-mining deceits if they would diligently apply themselves unto this search of their own hearts. Or, would other professors walk with so much boldness and security as some do, if they considered aright what a deadly watchful enemy they continually carry about with them and in them? would they so much indulge as they do carnal joys and pleasures, or pursue their perish- ing affairs wdth 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 subtlety of this our adversary, that our souls may be humbled ; and that, —
1. In walking with God. His delight is with the humble and contrite ones, those that tremble at his word, the mourners in Zion ; and such are we only when we have a due sense of our own vile con- dition. This will beget reverence of God, a sense of our distance from him, admiration of his grace and condescension, a due valuation of mercy, far above those light, verbal, sdry attainments, that some have boast^id of
2. In walking with others. It lays 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 afterward hath appeared, have been guilty of greater or worse crimes than those which they have raved against in others. This, I say, Avill 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. vi. 1. The man that understands the evil of his own heart, how vile it is, is the only useful, fruitful, and solid be- lieving 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
202 THE NATURE AND POWER OF INDWELLING SIN.
proud of our gifts, our graces, our valuation and esteem amongst pro- fessors, our enjoyments. Let us go then and judge, condemn, re- proach others tliat have been tempted ; we shall find a great incon- sistency in these things. And many things of the like nature might be here added upon the consideration of this Avoful effect of indwell- ing sin. The way of opposing and defeating its design herein shall be afterward considered.
CHAPTER VII.
The captivating power of indwelling sin, wherein it consisteth — The prevalency of sin, when from itself, when from temptation — The rage and madness that