2. Sin will make those in whom it hath dominion sensible of its power, by its continual solicitation of the mind and affections with respect unto that sin or those sins wherein it principally exerciseth its rule. Having possessed the will and inclinations of the mind with the affections,—as it doth wherever its dominion is absolute,— it continually disposeth, inclineth, and stirreth up the mind towards those sins. It will level the bent of the whole soul towards such sins, or the circumstances of them. Nor is there a more pregnant discovery of the rule of sin in any than this, that it habitually en- gageth the mind and affections unto a constant exercise of themselves about this or that, some sin and evil way or other.
But yet we must add, that notwithstanding these indications of the ruling power of sin, they are but few in whom it hath this do- minion that are convinced of their state and condition. Many are so under the power of darkness, of supine sloth and negligence, and are so desperately wicked, as that they have no sense of this rule of sin. Such are those described by the apostle, Eph. iv. 18,19. And whereas they are the vilest slaves that live on the earth, they judge none to be free but themselves; they look on others as in bondage to foolish and superstitious fears, whilst they are at liberty to drink, swear, scoff at religion, whore, and defile themselves without control,
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This is their liberty, and they may have that which is as good in hell,—a liberty to curse and blaspheme God, and to fly with revenge- ful thoughts on themselves and the whole creation. The light in such persons is darkness itself, so be that they have nothing to rise up in opposition unto the rule of sin, whence alone a sense of its power doth arise. Others, as we observed before, living in some compliance with their light and convictions, abstaining from many sins and performing many duties, though they live in some known sin or other, and allow themselves in it, yet will not allow that sin hath the dominion in them. j
Wherefore, there are two things hard and difficult in this case:—
1. To convince those in whom sin evidently hath the dominion that such indeed is their state and condition. They will with their utmost endeavour keep off the conviction hereof. Some justify them- selves, some excuse themselves, and some will make no inquiry into this matter. It is a rare thing, especially of late, to have any brought under this conviction by the preaching of the word, though it be the case of multitudes that attend unto it.
2. To satisfy some that sin hath not the dominion over them, not- withstanding its restless acting itself in them and warring against their souls; yet unless this can be done, it is impossible they should enjoy solid peace and comfort in this life. And the concernment of the best of believers, whilst they are in this world, doth lie herein; for as they grow in light, spirituality, experience, freedom of mind and humility, the more they love to know of the deceit, activity, and _ power of the remainders of sin. And although it works not at all, at least not sensibly, in them, towards those sins wherein it reigneth and rageth in others, yet they are able to discern its more subtile, inward, and spiritual actings in the mind and heart, to the weaken- ing of grace, the obstructing of its effectual operations in holy duties, with many indispositions unto stability in the life of God; which fills them with trouble.
CHAPTER III.
The second inquiry spoken to, Whether sin hath dominion in us or not—In an- swer to which it is showed that some wear sin’s livery, and they are the pro- fessed servants thereof—There are many in which the case is dubious, where sin’s service is not so discernible—Several exceptions are put in against its dominion where it seems to prevail—Some certain signs of. its dominion— Graces and duties to be exercised for its mortification.
II. THESE things being thus premised in general concerning the nature of the dominion of sin, we shall now proceed unto our principal
518 OF THE DOMINION OF SIN AND GRACE.
inquiry,—namely, Whether sin have dominion in us or no, whereby we may know whether we are under the law or under grace, or what is the state of our souls towards God. An inquiry this is which is very necessary for some to make, and for all to have rightly determined in their minds, from Scripture and experience; for on that determi- nation depends all our solid peace. Sin will be in us; it will lust, fight, and entice us;—but the great question, as unto our peace and comfort, is, whether it hath dominion over us or no.
First, We do not inquire concerning them in whom the reign of sin is absolute and easily discernible, if not to themselves yet to others. Such there are who visibly “yield their members instru- ments of unrighteousness unto sin,” Rom. vi. 13. “Sin reigns in their mortal bodies,” and they openly “ obey it in the lusts thereof,” verse 12. They are avowedly “servants of sin unto death,” verse 16, and are not ashamed of it. “The show of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not,” Isa. iii. 9. Such are those described Eph. iv. 18, 19, and such the world is filled withal; such as, being under the power of darkness and enmity against God, do act them in opposition to all serious godliness and in the service of various lusts. There is no question concerning their state; they eannot themselves deny that it is so with them. I speak not for the liberty of censuring, but for the easiness of judging. Those who openly wear sin’s livery may well bé esteemed to be sin’s servants; and they shall not fail to receive sin’s wages. Let them at present bear it never so high, and despise all manner of convictions, they will find it bitterness in the latter end, Isa. 1.11; . Kecles, xi. 9. ~ .