Thirdly, Want of experience of the power and efficacy of the Spirit and grace of Christ, of his life and death, for the mortifica- tion of sin, hath been another spring of this apostasy. How it is wrought by these means, and can be no otherwise accomplished, I have showed elsewhere at large, and must not here assume the same argument again; only, two things may be observed concerning this work and duty: as,—
1. It is that wherein or whereunto the greatest wisdom and exer- cise of faith doth consist, or is required. It is a matter purely evangelical, to derive strength and ability from Christ for the morti- fication of sin, by virtue of his death, in a way of believing. Unen- lightened reason can neither see nor understand any thing of this matter; yea, it is foolishness unto it, as are all other mysteries of the gospel. There is not any other way for the same end which it will not more willingly embrace.
2. It is a work and duty whereunto there is a great reluctancy in the flesh, in corrupted nature. There is nothing it had rather be freed from, and that whether we respect the inward nature of it or the constant continuance in it that is required of us. Yet is it such as that without it we can never attain life and salvation; for “if we by the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the flesh, we shall live,” and not otherwise. Wherefore, when men once begin to be sensible of the powerful inward workings of sin, they will take one of these two ways, nor can they do otherwise: for either they will yield themselves up “servants unto sin,” and make “ provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof,” according as they are able, and as far as consists with their secular interest, as do the most; or they will betake them- selves to some way or other for its restraint and mortification, either
in part or in whole. And here many things will present themselves
152 THE NATURE AND CAUSES OF APOSTASY.
unto such persons, some, it may be, of their own devising, and some of God’s appointment, but for other ends than what they apply them unto. Hence multitudes faint in this work, and at length utterly give it over. They begin in the Spirit and end in the flesh; for, not striving lawfully nor in the right way, sin gets ground and strength against them, and they yield up themselves to the service of it. Hence have we so many who, having under their convictions contended against their lusts in their youth, do give up themselves unto them in their age. But so it is in this matter, that those who, through their unbelief, cannot rise or attain unto an experience of — the power and efficacy of the grace of Christ for the mortification of sin will betake themselves to somewhat else for their relief; and this is that principally which hath brought forth that light within among some, which must do all this work for them, and much more. Tf any will betake themselves thereunto, they shall find that remedy against. sin, and that perfection of holiness, in a few days, which they had been looking for from Christ a long season to no purpose. So . would they have us to think who, it may be, never had experience what it is to derive spiritual strength from Christ, or to wait on him for it; only they have been wearied by the stuccesslessness of their convictions, and the burdensomeness of lifeless duties. For some of them were for a season not only sober in their conversation (which I hope they yet continue to be), but diligent in duties of religion; but finding neither life, power, nor success in them, through their own uncured unbelief, they seem to have grown weary of them: for no- thing is more grievous than the outward form of spiritual duties where there is no experience of inward power and sweetness. Where- fore, the corrupt minds of men will be ready to relinquish them for any thing that pretends a better relief What was the reason that so many in the Papacy betook them- selves to penances, severe disciplines, and self-macerations, for the relief of their consciences with respect unto the mortification of sin? It all sprang from this root, or ignorance of the power and efficacy of the Spirit and grace of Christ for that end. Somewhat must be done unto this purpose, and not knowing the right way and gospel method of it, they betook themselves unto what they could invent, or what was imposed on them by the superstition of others, that pre- tended to afford them a relief. Somewhat hereof those among us seemed for a while to make an appearance of, in an outward gravity and seeming austerity of life; but the things themselves they had no mind unto, as not compliant with other interests they had to pursue. But the light within shall do all of this kind for them; wherefore, in comparison thereof, and as unto this end at least, they reject the Lord Christ, and do what in them lies to “ put him to
A PECULIAR DEFECTION FROM THE TRUTH ILLUSTRATED. 153
an open shame;” for what do they less who declare that that is done in a few days for them by another means which could not be effected by the faith which for so long a season they professed in him? But