OF INDWELLING SIN. 57
the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate attection, concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.' The members that are upon tlie earth are our affections : for in the outward part of the body sin is not seated; in particular, not covetousness, which is there enumerated to be mortified amongst our members that are on the earth. Yea, after grace hath taken possession of the soul, the affections do become the principal seat of the remainders of sin ; and therefore Paul saith, that this law is in our members, Rom. vii. 23. and James, that it wars in our members, chap. iv. 1. that is, our affections. And there is no estimate to be taken of the work of mortification aright, but by the affections. We may every day see persons of very eminent light, that yet visibly have unmortified hearts and conversations ; their affections have not been crucified with Christ. Now then when this law of sin can possess any affection, whatever it be, love, delight, fear, it will make from it, and by it, fearful assaults upon the soul. For instance ; hath it got the love of any one entangled with the world, or the things of it, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, or the pride of life ; how will it take advantage on every occasion to break in upon the soul : it shall do nothing, attempt nothing, be in no place or company, perform no duty, private or public, but sin will have one blow or other at it; it will be one way or other soliciting for itself.
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, especially 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 them- selves. Of God, in his greatness, glory, holiness, power, majesty, and authority; of ourselves, in our mean, abject, and sinful condition. Now, of all things in our condition, there is nothing so suited unto this end and purpose, as that which lies before us ; namely, the vile remainders of enmity against God, wliich arc yet in our hearts and na- tures. And it is no small eviilence of a gracious soul, when it is willing to search itself in this matter, and to be helped
&& THE NATURE AND POWER
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 pro- phet 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 free love, and suppose they find food therein; however, it is evident 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 patli 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 it- self. It may be some who are wise and grown in other truths, may yet be so little skilled in searching their own hearts, that they may be slow in the perception and under- standing 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 sup- posed they believed it, might be delivered from their soiil- rnining deceits, if they would diligently apply themselves unto this search of their own hearts. Or would other pro- fessors 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 perishing affairs with so much delight and gree- diness 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 hum- ble and contrite ones, those that tremble at his word, the mourners in Sion ; and such are we only, when we have a due sense of our own vile condition. This will beget re- verence of God, sense of our distance from him, admiration