OF INDWELLING SIN. 27
doing it whilst you live in this world. It is true, great ground is obtained, when the work is vigorously and con- stantly carried on ; sin is much weakened, so that the soul presseth forwards towards 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 was 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 inbeing 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 assuredly a conqueror. Secondly, Hath it its residence in that which is various, inconstant, deceitful above all things? this calls for perpe- tual watchfulness 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 impossiblewe 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 de- ceitful above all things, unless they persist in such a frame. All cautions that are given in this case are necessary, espe- cially 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 morn- ing? reckon not therefore on a fair day; the clouds may arise and fall: though the morning give a fair appearance of sere- nity and peace, turbulent affections may arise, and cloud the soul with sin and darkness.
Thirdly, then, commit the whole matter with all care and
28 THE NATURE AND POWER
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-mentioned lies our duty, but here lies our safety. There is no treacherous corner 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, Psal. cxxxix. After he had set forth the omnipresence of God, and his om- niscience, ver. 8 — 10. he makes improvement of it, ver. 23. * Search me, O Lord, and try me.' As if he had said, it is but a little that I know of my deceitful heart, only I would 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 before, undertake this work, per- form it throughly, for thou alone art able so to do.
There are yet other arguments for tlie evidencing of the power and strength of indwelling sin from whence it is termed a law, which we must pass through according to the order wherein before we laid them down.
CHAP. IV.
hidwelling sin enmity against God. Thence its power. Admits of no peace nor rest. Is against God himself. Acts itself in aversation from God ; and propensity to cvif. Is universal. To all of God. In all of the soul. Constant.
We have seen the seat and subject of this law of sin. In the next place we might take a view of its nature in general, which also will manifest its power and e65cacy. But this I shall not enlarge upon; it being not my business to declare the nature of indwelling sin, it hath also been done by others. I shall therefore only in reference unto our special design in hand, consider one property of it, that belongs unto its na- ture; and this always wherever it is. And this is that which is expressed by the apostle, Rom. viii. 7. ' The carnal mind is enmity against God.' That which is here called, (j>powi]fxa Trie: aapKog, ' the wisdom of the flesh,' is the same with the law of sin, which we insist on. And what says he hereof? why it is '^xOpd Trpog roi Otoi, ' enmity against God.' It is not only an enemy, for so possibly some reconciliation of it unto God might be made; but it is enmity itself, and so not capable of accepting any terms of peace. Enemies may be
OF INDWELLING SIN. 29
reconciled, but enmity cannot. Yea, the only way to re- concile enemies, is to destroy the enmity. So the apostle in another case tells us, Rom. v. 10. ' We who were enemies, are reconciled unto God;' that is, a work compassed and brought about by the blood of Christ ; the reconciling of the greatest enemies. But when he comes to speak of enmity, there is no way for it, but it must be abolished and destroyed, Eph. ii. 15. ' Having abolished in his flesh the enmity.' There is no way to deal with any enmity whatever, but by its abo- lition or destruction.