Concerning the Holy Spirit, Book 4 · Chapter 8
CHAP. VIII. Mortification of Sin, the Nature and Causes of it.
(1) Mortification of Sin, the Second Part of Sanctification. (2) Frequently prescribed and enjoyned as a Duty. (3) What the Name signifies, with the Reason thereof: (4) As also that of Crucifying Sin. (5) The Nature of the Mortification of Sin, explained. (6) In-dwelling Sin in its Principle, Operations and Effects, the Object of Mortification. (7) Contrariety between Sin and Grace. (8) Mortification a Part-taking with the whole Interest of Grace against Sin. (9) How Sin is Mortified, and why the Subduing of it is so called. (10) Directions for the right Discharge of this Duty. (13) Nature of it unknown to many. (15) The Holy Spirit the Author and Cause of Mortification in us. (21) The Manner of the Operation of the Spirit in the Mortification of Sin. (22) Particular Means of the Mortification of Sin. (23) Duties necessary unto the Mortification of Sin, directed unto by the Holy Ghost. (24) Mistakes and Errors of Persons failing in this matter. (28) How Spiritual Duties are to be managed, that Sin may be mortified. (33) Influence of the Vertue of the Death of Christ, as applyed by the Holy Spirit, into the Mortification of Sin.
Sect. 1 THere is yet another Part or Effect of our Sanctification by the Holy Ghost, which consisteth in, and is called, Mortification of Sin. As what we have already insisted on, concerneth the Improvement and Practice of the Principle of Grace, wherewithall Believers are indued; so what we now propose, concerneth the Weakning, Impairing and Destroying of the Contrary Principle of Sin in its Root and Fruits, in its Principle and Actings. And whereas the Spirit of God is every where said to sanctifie us; we our selves are commanded, and said constantly to mortifie our Sins. For Sanctification expresseth Grace communicated and received in general; Mortification Grace as so received, improved and acted unto a certain End. And I shall be brief in the handling of it, because I have formerly published a small Discourse on the same Subject. And there are two things that I shall speak unto: (1) The Nature of the Duty it self. (2) The Manner how it is wrought in us by the Holy Ghost; which I principally intend.
Sect. 2 It is known, that this Duty is frequently enjoyned and prescribed unto us. Col. 3. 5. Mortifie therefore your Members that are on the Earth, Fornication, Vncleanness, inordinate Affection, evil Concupiscence, and Covetousness which is I…atry. foreign, may be supplyed. Mortifie your Members that are on the Earth; that is, your carnal earthly Affections, avoyding, or by avoyding Fornication, &c. And so a distinction is made between carnal Affections and their Fruits: Or, the special sins mentioned, are instances of these carnal Affections; Mortifie your carnal Affections, namely, Fornication and the like; wherein there is a Metonymy of the Effect for the Cause. And they are called our Members, (1) Because, as the whole Principle of sin, and Course of sinning which proceedeth from it, being called the Body of Sin, Rom. 6. 6. or the Body of the Sins of the Flesh, Col. 2. 11. with respect thereunto these particular Lusts are here called the members of that Body, Mortifie your members; For, that he intends not the Parts or Members of our Natural Bodyes, as though they were to be destroyed, as they seem to imagine who place Mortification in outward Afflictions and Macerations of the Body, he addes, foreign, that are on the Earth, that is, Earthly, carnal and sensual. (2) These Affections and Lusts, the Old man, that is, our depraved Nature, useth naturally and readily, as the Body doth its Members: And, which addes Efficacy unto the Allusion, by them it draws the very Members of the Body into a complyance with it, and the service of it; against which we are cautioned by our Apostle, Rom. 6. 12. Let not therefore sin reign in your mortal Bodies, (that is, our natural Bodies) that ye should obey it in the Lusts thereof; which Exhortation he pursues v. 19. as ye have yielded your Members servants unto Vncleanness and to Iniquity, unto Iniquity, even so now yield your Members servants to Righteousness unto Holiness. Which some neglecting, do take the Members of Christ, that is, of their own Bodies, which are the Members of Christ, and make them the members of an Harlot, 1 Cor. 6. 15. And many other Commands there are to the same purpose, which will afterwards occurre.
Sect. 3 And concerning this great Duty, we may consider three things: 1. The Name of it, whereby it is exressed. 2. The Nature of it, wherein it consists. 3. The Means and Way whereby it is effected and wrought.
First; For the Name, it is two wayes expressed, and both of them Metaphorical. (1) By foreign, and foreign, which we render to mortifie our selves. The first is used Col. 3. 5. foreign, which is mortifie, that is, Extinguish and destroy all that Force and Vigour of Corrupted Nature, which enclines to earthly carnal things, opposite unto that spiritual Heavenly Life and its actings, which we have in and from Christ, as was before declared: foreign is eneco, morte macto, to kill, to affect with or destroy by Death. But yet this word is used by our Apostle not absolutely to destroy, and to kill, so as that which is so mortified or killed should no more have any Being, but that it should be rendred useless as unto what its strength and vigour would produce. So he expresseth the Effects of it in the passive word, foreign; Rom. 4. 19. He considered not his own Body now dead, now mortified. The Body of Abraham was not then absolutely dead, only the natural Force and Vigour of it was exceedingly abated. And so he seems to mollifie this Expression, Heb. 11. 12. foreign; which we well render, of one, and him as good as Dead; foreign intimating a Respect unto the thing treated of. So that foreign to mortifie, signifies a continued Act, in taking away the Power and Force of any thing, untill it comes to be foreign, dead, unto some certain Ends or Purposes, as we shall see it is in the Mortification of sin. Rom. 8. 13. If ye through the Spirit doe mortifie the Deeds of the Body, ye shall live; foreign, another word to the same purpose, it signifies as the other doth, to put to death. But it is used in the Present Tense, to denote that it is a work which must be alwayes doing; If ye do mortifie, that is, If you are alwayes and constantly imployed in that work. And what the Apostle here calls foreign, the Deeds of the Body, he therein expresseth the Effect for the Cause Metonymically: For he intends foreign, as he expresseth the same thing, Gal. 5. 24. The Flesh with its Affections and Lusts; whence all the corrupt Deeds wherein the Body is instrumental, do arise.
Sect. 4(2) The same Duty, with relation unto the Death of Christ, as the Meritorious, Efficient and Exemplary Cause, is expressed by Crucifying. Rom. 6. 6. Our old Man is Crucifyed with him. Gal. 2. 20. I am crucified with Christ; Chap. 5. 20. They that are Christs have crucified the Flesh, with the Affections and Lusts. Chap. 6. 14. By the Lord Jesus Christ, the World is crucified unto me, and I unto the World. Now as perhaps there may be something intimated herein, of the Manner of mortification of sin, which is Gradually carryed on unto its final Destruction, as a Man dyes on the Cross; yet that which is principally intended, is the Relation of this Work and Duty to the Death of Christ, whence we and our sins are said to be crucified with him, because we and they are so by vertue of his Death; And herein do we alwayes bear about in the Body, foreign, the dying of our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 4. 10. representing the Manner of it, and expressing its Efficacy.
Sect. 5 Secondly: Thus is this Duty expressed, whose Nature in the next place we shall more particularly enquire into, and declare, in the ensuing Observations.
1. Mortification of Sin is a Duty alwayes incumbent on us, in the whole Course of our Obedience. This the Command testifieth, which represents it as an alwayes present Duty. When it is no longer a Duty to grow in Grace, it is so not to mortifie Sin. No man under Heaven can at any Time say, that he is exempted from this Command, nor on any Pretence. And he who ceaseth from this Duty, lets go all Endeavours after Holiness. And as for those who pretend unto an absolute Perfection, they are of all Persons living the most impudent, nor do ever in this Matter open their mouths, but they give themselves the Lye. For,
2. This Duty being alwayes incumbent on us, argues undenyably the abiding in us of a Principle of Sin whilest we are in the Flesh, which with its Fruits is that which is to be mortified. This the Scripture calleth the sin that dwelleth in us, the evil that is present with us, the Law of the Members, evil Concupiscence, Lust, the Flesh, and the like. And thereunto are the Properties and Actings of folly, deceit, tempting, seducing, rebelling, warring, captivating, ascribed. This is not a place to dispute the Truth of this Assertion, which cannot with any Reputation of Modesty be denyed by any who own the Scripture, or pretend to an Acquaintance with themselves. But yet through the Craft of Sathan, with the Pride and Darkness of the Minds of men, it is so fallen out, that the want of a true understanding hereof, is the Occasion of most of those pernitious Errors wherewith the Church of God is at present pestered; and which practically keeps men off from being seriously troubled for their sins, or seeking out for Relief by Jesus Christ. Thus one hath not feared of late openly to profess, that he knowes of no deceit or evil in his own Heart, though a wiser than he, hath informed us, that he who trusteth his own Heart is a Fool, Proverb. 28. 26.
Sect. 6 3. In-dwelling sin, which is the Object of this Duty of Mortification, falls under a three-fold Consideration. 1. Of its Root and Principle: 2. Of its Disposition and Operations: 3. Of its Effects. These in the Scripture are frequently distinguished, though mostly under Metaphorical Expressions. So are they mentioned together distinctly, Rom. 6. 6. Our old Man is crucified with Christ, that the Body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (1) The Root or Principle of sin, which by Nature possesseth all the Faculties of the Soul, and as a depraved Habit enclines unto all that is evil, is the Old man, so called in Opposition unto the New man which after God is created in Righteousness and true Holiness. (2) There is the Inclination, actual Disposition and Operations of this Principle or Habit, which is called the Body of sin with the Members of it. For, under those Expressions sin is proposed as in procinctu, in a Readiness to Act its self, and enclining unto all that is evil. And this also is expressed by the Affections and Lusts of the Flesh, Gal. 4. 25. Deceitfull Lusts, Ephes. 4. 24. The Old man is Corrupt, according unto the deceitfull Lusts, the Wills of the Flesh, and the Mind. (3) There are the Effects, Fruits and Products of these things, which are Actual sins, whereby as the Apostle speaks, we serve sin, as bringing forth the Fruits of it; that we should not henceforth serve sin. And these Fruits are of two sorts: 1. Internal, in the Figments and Imaginations of the Heart, which is the first way whereby the Lusts of the Old man do act themselves. And therefore, of those that are under the Power or Dominion of sin, it is said, that every Figment or Imagination of their Hearts are evil continually, Gen. 6. 5. For they have no other Principle whereby they are acted, but that of Sin, and therefore all the Figments of their Hearts must be necessarily evil. And with respect hereunto, our Saviour affirms, that all Actual sins proceed out of the Heart, Math. 15. 19. because there is their Root, and there are they first formed and framed. 2. External, in Actual sins, such as those enumerated by our Apostle; Col. 3. 5. Gal. 5. 19, 20, 21. All these things together, make up the compleat Object of this Duty of Mortification. The old man, the body of Death with its Members, and the Works of the flesh, or the Habit, Operations an Effects of Sin, are all of them intended, and to be respected herein.
Sect. 7 4. This Principle, its Operations and Effects, are opposed and directly contrary unto the Principle, Operations, and Fruits of Holiness, as wought in us by the Spirit of God, which we have before described. (1) They are opposed in their Principle. For the Flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit lusteth against Flesh, and these are contrary the one to the other, Gal. 5. 17. These are those two adverse Principles, which maintain such a Conflict in the Souls of Believers, whilst they are in this world, and which is so Graphically described by our Apostle, Rom. 7. so the Old and New man are opposed and contrary. (2) In their Actings; The Lusting of the Flesh, and the Lusting or desires of the Spirit, Walking after the Flesh, and Walking after the Spirit, living after the Flesh, and living in the Spirit are opposed also. This is the Opposition that is between the Body of Sin with its Members, and the Life of Grace; Who walk not after the Flesh but after the Spirit, Rom. 8. 1, 4, 5. We are Debters not to the flesh, to live after the flesh; for if ye live after the flesh ye shall die; but if ye by the Spirit, doe mortifie the Deeds of the Flesh ye shall live, ver. 11, 12, 13. By this walking after the Flesh, I understand not, at least not principally, the committing of Actual Sins, but a Compliance with the Principle or Habit of sin prevailing in Depraved unsanctified Nature, allowing it a predominancy in the Hearts and Affections. It is when men are disposed to Act according to the Inclinations, Lustings, Motions, Wills and Desires of it. Or it is to bend that way Habitually in our Course and Conversation, which the Flesh inclines and leads unto. This Principle doth not indeed Equally bring forth Actual sins in all, but hath various Degrees of its Efficacy, as it is advantaged by Temptations, controlled by Light, or hampered by Convictions. Hence all that are under the Power of Sin, are not all equally vitious and sinfull. But after the flesh goes the bent of the Soul, and the generality of its Actings. To walk after the Spirit, consists in our being given up to Rule and Conduct, or walking according to the Dispositions and Inclinations of the Spirit, that which is born of the Spirit, Namely, a Principle of Grace implanted in us by the Holy Ghost, which hath at large insisted on before. And (3) The External Fruits and Effects of these two Principles are contrary also, as our Apostle expressely and at large declares, Gal. 5. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24. For whereas in the Enumeration of the Works of the Flesh, he reckons up Actual sins, as Adultery, Fornication, and the like, in the Account he gives of the Fruits of the Spirit, he insists on Habitual Graces, as Love, Joy, Peace, he expresseth them both Metaphorically. In the former he hath repect unto the vitious Habits of those Actual Sins; and in the latter, unto the Actual Effects and Duties of those Habitual Graces.
Sect. 8 5. There being this universal Contrariety, Opposition, contending and warfare between Grace and Sin, the Spirit and the Flesh, in their inward Principles, Powers, Operations, and outward Effects; the Work and Duty of Mortification consists in a constant taking part with Grace, in its Principle, Actings and Fruits, against the Principle Acts and Fruits of Sin. For the Residence of these contrary Principles being in, and their Actings being by the same Faculties of the Soul, as the one is increased, strengthened, and improved, the other must of necessity be weakened and decay. Wherefore the Mortification of Sin must consist in these three things. (1) The cherishing and improving of the Principle of Grace and Holiness which is implanted in us by the Holy Ghost, by all the wayes and means which God hath appointed thereunto, which we have spoken unto before. This is that which alone can undermine and ruine the power of Sin, without which all Attempts to weaken it are vain and fruitless. Let men take never so much pains to Mortifie, Crucifie or Subdue their sins, unless they endeavour in the first place to weaken and impair its strength by the increase of Grace, and growing therein, they will labour in the fire, where this work will be consumed. (2) In frequent actings of the Principles of Grace in all Duties Internal and External. For where the Inclinations, Motions, and Actings of the Spirit in all Acts, Duties, and Fruits of Holy Obedience, are vigorous and kept in constant Exercise, the contrary Motions and Actings of the Flesh are defeated. (3) In a due Application of the Principle, Power, and Actings of Grace, by way of opposition unto the Principle, Power, and Actings of Sin. As the whole of Grace is opposed unto the whole of Sin; so there is no particular Lust whereby Sin can act its power, but there is a particular Grace ready, to make effectual Opposition unto it, whereby it is mortified. And in this Application of Grace in its Actings in Opposition unto all the Actings of sin, consists the Mystery of this great Duty of Mortification. And where men being ignorant hereof, have yet fallen under a Conviction of the Power of Sin, and been perplexed therewith, they have found out foolish wayes innumerable, for its Mortification, wickedly opposing External, Natural, bodily Force and Exercise, unto an Internal, Moral, Depraved Principle which is no way concerned therein. But hereof we must treat more afterwards under the third Head concerning the Manner how this work is to be carried on, or this Duty performed.
Sect. 9 6. This Duty of weakening Sin, by the Growth and improvement of Grace, and the Opposition which is made unto sin in all its Actings thereby is called Mortification, Killing, or putting to Death, on sundry accounts. First and principally, from that Life, which because of its Power, Efficacy and Operation is ascribed unto Indwelling Sin. The state of the Soul by reason of it is a state of Death. But whereas Power and Operations, are the proper Adjuncts or Effects of Life, for their sakes life is ascribed unto sin, on whose account sinners are dead. Wherefore this corrupt Principle of Sin in our depraved Nature, having a constant, powerful inclination, and working Actually …wards all evil; it is said Metaphorically to Live, or to have a Life of its own. Therefore is the Opposition that is made unto it for its ruine and Destruction, called Mortification, or Killing, being its Deprivation of that strength, and efficacy whereby, and wherein it is said to live. Secondly, It may be so called because of the Violence of that contest which the Soul is put unto in this Duty. All other Duties that we are called unto in the course of our Obedience, may be performed in a more easie, gentle, and plain manner. Though it is our Work and Duty to conflict with all sorts of Temptations, yea to wrestle with Principalities and Powers, and spiritual wickednesses in high places, yet in this which we have with our selves, which is wholly within us and from us, there is more of Warring, Fighting, Captivating, Wounding, Crying out for Help and Assistance, a deep sense of such a violence as is used in taking away the Life of a mortal Enemy, than in any thing else we are called unto. And Thirdly, the end aymed at in this Duty, is Destruction, as it is of all killing. Sin, as was said, hath a Life, and that such a Life, as whereby it not onelyonly Lives, but Rules and Reigns in all that are not born of God. By the entrance of Grace into the Soul it looseth its Dominion, but not its Being; its Rule, but not its Life. The utter Ruine, Destruction and gradual Annihilation of all the Remainders of this cursed Life of Sin, is our Design and Aym in this Work and Duty, which is therefore called Mortification. The design of this Duty wherever it is in sincerity, is to leave sin neither Being, nor Life, nor Operation.
Sect. 10 And some Directions, as our manner is, may be taken from what we have discoursed concerning the Nature of this Duty, Directive of our own Practices.
And (1) It is evident from what hath been discoursed, that it is a Work which hath a Gradual Progress, in the proceed whereof we must continually be Exercised. And this respects in the first place the Principle of sin it self. Every day, and in every Duty an especial eye is to be had unto the Abolition and Destruction of this Principle. It will no otherwise dye, but by being Gradually and constantly weakened, spare it and it heals its wounds and recovers strength. Hence many who have attained to a great Degree in the Mortification of sin, doe by their negligence suffer it in some Instances or other so to take head again, that they never recover their former state whilst they live.
Sect. 11 And this is the Reason why we have so many Withering Professors among us, decayed in their Graces, fruitless in their lives, and every way conformed to the world. There are some indeed who being under the Power of that Blindnesse and Darknesse, which is a Principal part of the Depravation of our Nature, doe neither see nor discern the Inward secret Actings and Motions of sin; its Deceit and Restlesness, its mixing its self one way or other in all our Dutyes, with the Defilement and Guilt wherewith these things are accompanied; who judge that God scarce takes notice of any thing but outward Actions, and it may be not much of them neither, so as to be displeased with them, unlesse they are very foul indeed, which yet he is easily intreated to passe by and excuse, who judge this Duty superfluous, despising both the Confession and Mortification of Sin, in this Root and Principle of it. But those who have received most Grace and Power from above against it, are of all others the most sensible of its Power and Guilt, and of the Necessity of Applying themselves continually unto its Destruction.
(2) With respect unto its Inclinations and Operations, wherein it variously exerts its Power, in all particular instances we are continually to watch against it, and to subdue it. And this concerns us in all that we are and doe; in our Duties, in our Calling, in our Conversation with others, in our Retirements, in the frames of our Spirits, in our Streights, in our Mercies, in the use of our Enjoyments, in our Temptations. If we are negligent unto any Occasion we shall suffer by it. This is our Enemy, and this is the Warre we are ingaged in. Every mistake, every neglect is perillous.
Sect. 12 And, (3) The End of this Duty with respect unto us, expressed by the Apostle is, that henceforth we should not serve sin; which referres unto the Perpetration of Actual Sins, the bringing forth of the Actual Fruits of the Flesh internal or external also. In whosoever the Old man is not crucisied with Christ, let him think what he will of himself, he is a servant of Sin. If he have not received Vertue from the Death of Christ, if he be not wrought unto a Conformity to him therein, whatever else he may do or attain, however he may in any thing, in many things, change his Course, and reform his Life, he serves sin and not God. Our great Design ought to be, that we should no longer serve sin, which the Apostle in the ensuing Verses gives us many Reasons for. It is indeed the worst service that a Rational Creature is capable of, and will have the most dolefull End. What therefore is the only Way and Means whereby we may attain this End; namely, that although Sin will abide in us, yet that we may not serve it, which will secure us from its Danger? This is that Mortification of it which we insist upon, and no other. If we expect to be freed from the service of Sin, by its own giving over to press its Dominions upon us, or by any Composition with it, or any other way but by being alwayes killing or destroying of it, we do but deceive our own Souls.
Sect. 13 And indeed, it is to be feared, that the Nature of this Duty is not sufficiently understood, or not sufficiently considered. Men look upon it as an easie Task, and that which will be carried on with a little Diligence, and ordinary Attendance. But do we think it is for nothing, that the Holy Ghost expresseth the Duty of opposing Sin, and weakening its Power by Mortification, killing or putting to death? Is there not somewhat peculiar herein, beyond any other Act or Duty of our Lives? Certainly there is intimated a great Contest of Sin, for the preservation of its Life. Every thing will do its utmost to preserve its Life and Being. So will Sin do also; and if it be not constantly pursued with Diligence and Holy Violence, it will escape our Assaults. Let no man think to kill sin with few, easie or gentle strokes. He who hath once smitten a Serpent, if he follow not on his blow untill it be slain, may repent that ever he begun the quarrel. And so will he who undertakes to deal with Sin, and pursues it not constantly to death; Sin will after a while revive, and the Man must dye. It is a great and fatal Mistake, if we suppose this Work will admit of any remisseness or intermission. Again, the Principle to be slain is in our selves, and so possessed of our Faculties, as that it is called our selves. It cannot be killed without a sense of pain and trouble. Hence it is compared to the cutting off of Right Hands, and the plucking out of Right Eyes. Lusts that pretend to be usefull to the State and Condition of men, that are pleasant and satisfactory to the Flesh, will not be mortified without such a Violence as the whole Soul shall be deeply sensible of. And sundry other things might be insisted on, to manifest how men deceive themselves, if they suppose this Duty of Mortification is that which they may carry on in a negligent careless Course and Manner. Is there no Danger in this Warfare? no Watchfulness, no Diligence required of us? Is it so easie a thing to kill an Enemy who hath so many Advantages of force and fraud? Wherefore, if we take care of our Souls, we are to attend unto this Duty, with that Care, Diligence, Watchfulness, and earnest Contention of spirit, which the Nature of it doth require.
Sect. 14 And moreover, there is no less fatal Mistake where we make the Object of this Duty to be only some particular Lusts, or the Fruits of them in Actual sins, as was before observed. This is the way with many. They will make Head against some Sins, which on one Account or other they find themselves most concerned in; but if they will observe their Course, they shall find with how little success they do it. For the most part Sin gets ground upon them, and they continually groan under the Power of its Victories. And the Reason is, because they mistake their Business. Contests against particular sins, are only to comply with Light and Convictions. Mortification with a Design for Holiness, respects the Body of Sin, the Root and all its Branches: The first will miscarry, and the latter will be successefull. And herein consists the Difference between that Mortification which men are put upon by Convictions from the Law, which alwayes proves fruitless, and that wherein we are acted by the Spirit of the Gospel: The first respects only particular sins, as the Guilt of them reflects upon Conscience; the latter, the whole Interest of Sin as opposed to the Renovation of the Image of God in us.
Sect. 15 Thirdly: That which remains further to be demonstrated is, That the Holy Spirit is the Author of this Work in us, so that although it is our Duty, it is his Grace and Strength whereby it is performed; as also the Manner how it is wrought by him, which is principally intended.
For the first, we have the truth of it asserted, Rom. 8. 13. If ye through the Spirit do mortifie the Deeds of the Flesh. It is we that are to mortifie the Deeds of the Flesh; it is our Duty, but of our selves we cannot do it, it must be done in or by the Spirit. Whether we take the Spirit here for the Person of the Holy Ghost, as the Context seems to require, or take it for the gracious Principle of spiritual Life in the Renovation of our Nature, not the Spirit himself, but that which is born of the Spirit, it is all one as to our purpose; the Work is taken from our own Natural Power or Ability, and resolved into the Grace of the Spirit.
Sect. 16 And that we go no further for the proof of our Assertion, it may suffice to observe, That the Confirmation of it is the principal Design of the Apostle, from the second Verse of that Chapter unto the end of the 13th. That the Power and Reign of Sin, its Interest and Prevalency in the Minds of Believers, are weakened, impaired, and finally destroyed (so as that all the pernicious Consequences of it shall be avoyded,) by the Holy Ghost, and that these things could no otherwise be effected, he both affirms and proves at large. In the foregoing Chapter, from the 7th Verse unto the end, he declares the Nature, Properties, and Efficacy of In-dwelling sin, as the Remainders of it do still abide in Believers. And whereas a two-fold Conclusion might be made from the Description he gives of the Power and Actings of this sin, or a double Question arise, unto the great Disconsolation of Believers, he doth in this Chapter remove them both, manifesting that there was no cause for such Conclusions or Exceptions, from any thing by him delivered. The first of these is, that if such, if this be the Power and Prevalency of In-dwelling sin, if it so obstruct us in our doing that which is good, and impetuously incline unto evil; what will become of us in the End, how shall we answer for all the Sin and Guilt which we have contracted thereby? We must, we shall therefore perish under the Guilt of it. And the second Conclusion which is apt to arise from the same Consideration is, that seeing the Power and Prevalency of Sin is so great, and that we in our selves are no way able to make Resistance unto it, much less to overcome it, it cannot be, but that at length it will absolutely prevail against us, and bring us under its Dominion, unto our everlasting Ruine. Both these Conclusions the Apostle obviates in this Chapter, or removes them if laid as Objections against what he had delivered. And this he doth,
Sect. 17(1) By a Tacit Concession, that they will both of them be found true towards all who live and dye under the Law, without an Interest in Jesus Christ. For, affirming that there is no condemnation unto them that are in Christ Jesus, he grants, that those who are not so cannot avoyd it. Such is the Guilt of this sin, and such are the Fruits of it in all in whomsoever it abides, that it makes them obnoxious unto Condemnation. But,
(2) There is a Deliverance from this Condemnation, and from all liableness thereunto, by free Justification in the Blood of Christ, v. 1. For those who have an Interest in him, and are made partakers thereof, although sin may grieve them, trouble and perplex them, and by its Deceit and Violence cause them to contract much Guilt in their surprizals, yet they need not despond, or be utterly cast down; there is a stable ground of Consolation provided for them, in that there is no Condemnation unto them that are in Christ Jesus.
(3) That none may abuse this Consolation of the Gospel, to countenance themselves unto a Continuance in the service of sin, he gives a Limitation of the Subjects unto whom it doth belong, namely, all them and only them who walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit, v. 1. As for those who give up themselves unto the Conduct of this Principle of In-dwelling sin, who comply with its Motions and Inclinations, being acted wholly by its Power, let them neither flatter nor deceive themselves, there is nothing in Christ nor the Gospel to free them from Condemnation. It is they only who give up themselves to the Conduct of the Spirit of Sanctification and Holiness, that have an interest in this Priviledge.
(4) As to the other Conclusion, taken from the Consideration of the Power and Prevalency of this Principle of sin, he prevents or removes it, by a full Discovery how and by what means that Power of it shall be so broken, its strength abated, its prevalency disappointed, and its self destroyed, as that we need not fear the Consequents of it before mentioned; but rather may secure our selves, that we shall be the death thereof, and not that the death of our Souls. Now this is, saith he, by the Law or Power of the Spirit of Life, which is in Christ Jesus, v. 2. And thereon he proceeds to declare, that it is by the effectual working of this Spirit in us alone, that we are enabled to overcome this spiritual Adversary. This being sufficiently evident, it remaineth only that we declare, the Way and Manner how he produceth this Effect of his Grace.
Sect. 18(1) The Foundation of all Mortification of Sin, is from the Inhabitation of the Spirit in us. He dwells in the Persons of Believers as in his Temple, and so he prepares it for himself. Those Defilements or Pollutions which render the Souls of men unmeet Habitations for the Spirit of God, do all of them consist in sin inherent and its Effects. These therefore he will remove and subdue, that he may dwell in us suitably unto his Holiness. Rom. 8. 11. If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the Dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the Dead shall also quicken your mortal Bodies, by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Our mortal Bodyes, are our Bodies as obnoxious unto Death by reason of sin; as v. 10. And the Quickening of these mortal Bodyes, is their being freed from the Principle of Sin, or Death and its Power, by a contrary Principle of Life and Righteousness. It is the freeing of us from being in the Flesh, that we may be in the Spirit, v. 9. And by what Means is this effected? It is by the Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the Dead; that is, of the Father, which also is called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, v. 9. For he is equally the Spirit of the Father and the Son. And he is described by this Periphrasis, both because there is a similitude between that Work as to its Greatness and Power which God wrought in Christ when he raised him from the Dead, and what he worketh in Believers in their Sanctification, Ephes. 1. 19, 20. and because this Work is wrought in us by vertue of the Resurrection of Christ. But under what especial Consideration doth he effect this Work of mortifying sin in us? It is as he dwelleth in us. God doth it by his Spirit as he dwelleth in us. As it is a work of Grace, it is said to be wrought by the Spirit; and as it is our Duty, we are said to work it through the Spirit, v. 13. And let men pretend what they please, if they have not the Spirit of Christ dwelling in them, they have not mortified any sin, but do yet walk after the flesh, and, continuing so to doe, shall dye.
Sect. 19 Moreover, as this is the only Spring of Mortification in us as it is a Grace, so the Consideration of it is the principal Motive unto it as it is a Duty. So our Apostle pressing unto it, doth it by this Argument; Know ye not that your Body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which you have of God? 1 Cor. 6. 19. To which we may adde that weighty Caution which he gives us to the same purpose; 1 Cor. 3. 16. Know you not that ye are the Temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? if any man defile the Temple of God, him shall God destroy, for the Temple of God is Holy, which Temple are ye.
Whereas therefore in every Duty two things are principally considered. First, The Life and Spring of it, as it is wrought in us by Grace: Secondly, The principal Reason for it and Motive unto it, as it is to be performed in our selves by the way of Duty: Both these as to this matter of Mortification, do center in this Inhabitation of the Spirit. For, (1) It is he who mortifies and subdues our Corruptions, who quickens us unto Life, Holiness and Obedience, as he dwelleth in us, that he may make and prepare an Habitation meet for himself. And, (2) The principal Reason and Motive which we have to attend unto it, with all Care and Diligence as a Duty, is that we may thereby preserve his Dwelling-place so as becometh his Grace and Holiness. And indeed, whereas (as our Saviour tells us) they are things which arise from and come out of the Heart, that defile us, there is no greater nor more forcible Motive to contend against all the defiling Actings of sin, which is our Mortification, than this, that by the Neglect hereof the Temple of the Spirit will be defiled, which we are commanded to watch against under the severe Commination of being destroyed for our Neglect therein.
Sect. 20 If it be said, that whereas we do acknowledge that there are still remainders of this sin in us, and they are accompanyed with their Defilements, how can it be supposed, that the Holy Ghost will dwell in us, or in any one that is not perfectly Holy? I answer, (1) That the great Matter which the Spirit of God considereth in his Opposition unto sin, and that of sin to his Work, is Dominion and Rule. This the Apostle makes evident, Rom. 6. 12, 13, 14. Who, or what shall have the principal Conduct of the Mind and Soul, (Chap. 8. 7, 8, 9.) is the matter in Question. Where sin hath the Rule, there the Holy Ghost will never dwell. He enters into no soul as his Habitation, but at the same instant he dethrones sin, spoyls it of its Dominion, and takes the Rule of the soul into the hand of his own Grace. Where he hath effected this Work, and brought his Adversary into subjection, there he will dwell, though sometimes his Habitation be troubled by his subdued Enemy. (2) The souls and minds of them who are really sanctified, have continually such a sprinkling with the Blood of Christ, and are so continually purified by vertue from his sacrifice and oblation, as that they are never unmeet Habitations for the holy Spirit of God.
Sect. 21(2) The Manner of the actual Operation of the Spirit of God in effecting this Work, or how he mortifies sin, or enables us to mortifie it, is to be considered. And an Acquaintance herewith dependeth on the Knowledge of the sin that is to be mortified, which we have before described. It is the vitious corrupt Habit, and Inclination unto sin, which is in us by Nature, that is the principal Object of this Duty; or, the Old man which is corrupt according unto deceitfull Lusts. When this is weakened in us as to its Power and Efficacy, when its strength is abated, and its Prevalency destroyed, then is this Duty in its proper Discharge, and Mortification carryed on in the soul.
Now this the Holy Ghost doth, First, By implanting in our Minds and all their Faculties, A contrary Habit and Principle, with contrary Inclinations, Dispositions and Actings, namely, a Principle of spiritual Life and Holiness, bringing forth the Fruits thereof. By means hereof is this work effected. For sin will no otherwise dye, but by being killed and slain: And whereas this is gradually to be done, it must be by Warring and Conflict. There must be something in us that is contrary unto it, which opposing of it, conflicting with it, doth insensibly and by Degrees, (for it dyes not at once) work out its Ruine and Destruction. As in a Chronical Distemper, the Disease continually Combates and Conflicts with the Powers of Nature, untill having insensibly improved them, it prevails unto its Dissolution. So is it in this matter. These adverse Principles with their Contrariety, Opposition, and Conflict, the Apostle expressely asserts and describes, as also their contrary Fruits and Actings, with the Issue of the whole, Gal. 5. 16, 17. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25. The contrary Principles are the Flesh and Spirit, and their contrary Actings are in Lusting and Warring one against the other, ver. 16. Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the Lusts of the Flesh: Not to fulfill the lusts of the flesh is to Mortifie it; for it neither will nor can be kept alive if its Lusts be not fulfilled. And he gives a fuller Account hereof ver. 17. For the Flesh Lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit Lusteth against the Flesh, and these are contrary one to the other. If by the Spirit, the Spirit of God himself be intended, yet he Lusteth not in us, but by vertue of that spirit which is born of him, that is, the New Nature or Holy Principle of Obedience which he worketh in us. And the way of their mutual Opposition unto one another, the Apostle describes at large in the following verses, by instancing in the contrary Effects of the one and the other. But the Issue of the whole is, v. 24. They that are Christs have crucified the Flesh with its Affections and Lusts. They have crucified it, that is, fastned it unto that Cross, where at length it may expire. And this is the way of it, namely, the Actings of the Spirit against it, and the Fruits produced thereby. Hence he shuts up his discourse with that Exhortation, If we live in the Spirit, let us walk in the Spirit. That is, if we are endowed with this Spiritual Principle of Life, which is to live in the Spirit, then let us Act, Work and Improve that spiritual Principle unto the Ruine and Mortification of sin.
Sect. 22 This therefore is the first way whereby the Spirit of God Mortifieth sin in us, and in a compliance with it under his conduct do we regularly carry on this work and Duty: That is, we Mortifie sin, by cherishing the Principle of Holiness and Sanctification in our Souls, labouring to encrease and strengthen it by growing in Grace, and by a constancy and frequency in acting of it in all Duties, on all Occasions, abounding in the Fruits of it. Growing, Thriving, and Improving in universal Holinesse, is the great way of the Mortification of sin. The more vigorous the Principle of Holinesse is in us, the more weak, infirm, and dying will be that of sin. The more frequent and lively are the Actings of Grace, the feebler and seldomer will be the Actings of Sin. The more we abound in the Fruits of the Spirit, the less shall we be concerned in the Works of the Flesh. And we doe but deceive our selves if we think sin will be mortified on any other terms. Men when they are galled in their Consciences, and disquieted in their Mindes with any Sin or Temptation thereunto, wherein their Lusts or Corruptions, are either influenced by Satan, or entangled by Objects, Occasions, and Opportunities, doe set themselves oft-times in good earnest to oppose and subdue it, by all the ways and means they can think upon. But all they doe is in vain, and so they find it at last unto their cost and sorrow. The reason is, because they neglect this course, without which never any one sin was truly Mortified in the world, nor ever will so be. The course I intend is, that of labouring universally to improve a Principle of Holiness, not in this or that way, but in all Instances of Holy Obedience. This is that which will ruine sin, and without it nothing else will contribute any thing thereunto. Bring a man unto the Law, urge him with the Purity of its Doctrine, the Authority of its Commands, the Severity of its Threatnings, the dreadfull Consequences of its transgression. Suppose him convinced hereby of the evil and danger of sin, of the necessity of its Mortification and Destruction. Will he be able hereon to discharge this Duty, so as that sin may dye, and his soul may live? The Apostle assures us of the contrary, Rom. 7. 7, 8, 9. The whole Effect of the Application of the Law in its power unto indwelling sin, is but to irritate, provoke, and increase its guilt. And what other probable way besides this unto this End, can any one fix upon.
Sect. 23 Secondly, The Holy Ghost carryeth on this work in us as a Grace, and enableth us unto it as our Duty, by those actual Supplies and Assistances of Grace, which he continually communicates unto us. For the same Divine Operations, the same Supplies of Grace which are necessary unto the positive Acts and Duties of Holiness, are necessary also unto this End, that sin in the Actual Motions, and Lustings of it may be Mortified; So the Apostle issues his long Account of the Conflict between sin and the Soul of a Believer, and his complaint thereon, with that Good word, I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord, Rom. 7. 25. namely, who supplies me with gracious Assistance against the Power of sin. Temptation is successefull onelyonly by sin, Lam. 1. 14. And it was with respect unto an especial Temptation, that the Lord Christ gives that Answer unto the Apostle, My Grace is sufficient for thee, 2 Cor. 12. 9. It is the Actual Supplie of the Spirit of Christ that doth enable us to withstand our Temptations and subdue our Corruptions. This is the foreign, Phil. 1. ver. 19. An Additional supply as occasion requireth beyond our constant daily provision; or foreign Heb. 4. ver. 16. Grace given in to help seasonably upon our cry made for it. Of the Nature of these Supplies, we have discoursed before. I shall now onelyonly observe, that in the Life of Faith and Dependance on Christ, the Expectation and Derivation of these supplies of Grace and spiritual strength, is one principal part of our Duty. These things are not empty Notions as some Imagine. If Christ be an Head of Influence unto us, as well as of Rule, as the Head natural is to the Body; If he be our Life, if our Life be in him, and we have nothing but what we doe receive from him, if he gives unto us supplies of his Spirit, and increases of Grace, and if it be our Duty by Faith to look for all these things from him, and that be the means of receiving them, which things are all expressely and frequently affirmed in the Sripture; then is this Expectation and Derivation of spiritual strength continually from him, the way we are to take for the Actual Mortification of sin. And therefore if we would be found in a successeful discharge of this Duty, it is required of us; (1) That we endeavour diligently in the whole Course of our lives after these continual supplies of Grace, that is, that we wait for them in all those ways and means whereby they are communicated. For although the Lord Christ giveth them out freely and bountifully, yet our Diligence in Duty, will give the measure of receiving them. If we are negligent in Prayer, Meditation, Reading, Hearing of the Word, and other Ordinances of Divine Worship, we have no ground to expect any great supplyes to this End. And, (2) That we live and abound in the Actual Exercise of all those Craces, which are most directly opposite unto those peculiar Lusts or Corruptions that we are most exercised withall, or obnoxious unto. For Sin and Grace do trie their Interest and Prevalency in particular Instances. If therefore any are more than ordinarily subject unto the Power of any Corruption, as Passion, inordinate Affections, Love of the World, Distrust of God; unless he be constant in the Exercise of those Graces which are Diametrically opposed unto them, they will continually suffer under the Power of Sin.
Thirdly, It is the Holy Spirit which directs us unto and helps us in the Performance of those Duties which are appointed of God unto this End, that they may be Means of the Mortification of sin. Unto the right use of those Duties (for such there are) two things are required: 1. That we know them aright, in their Nature and Vse, as also that they are appointed of God unto this End: And then, 2. That we perform them in a due manner. And both these we must have from the Spirit of God: He is given to Believers, to lead them into all Truth; he teacheth and instructs them by the Word, not only what Duties are incumbent on them, but also how to perform them, and with respect unto what Ends.
(First,) It is required, that we know them aright, in their Nature, Vse and Ends. For want hereof, or through the Neglect of looking after it, all sorts of men have wandred after foolish Imaginations about this Work, either as to the Nature of the Work it self, or as to the Means whereby it may be effected. For it being a Grace and Duty of the Gospel, thence only is it truely to be learned, and that by the Teachings of the Spirit of God. And it may not be amiss to give some Instances of the Darkness of mens Minds and their Mistakes herein.
Sect. 24(1) A general Apprehension that somewhat of this nature is necessary, arising from the Observation of the Disorder of our Passions, and the Exorbitancy of the Lives of most in the World, is suited even to the Light of Nature, and was from thence variously improved by the Philosophers of old. To this purpose did they give many Instructions about denying and subduing the disorderly Affections of the Mind, conquering Passions, moderating Desires, and the like. But whilest their Discoveries of sin rose no higher than the actual Disorder they found in the Affections and Passions of the Mind, whilest they knew nothing of the Depravation of the Mind it self, and had nothing to oppose unto what they did discover, but morall Considerations, and those most of them notoriously influenced by Vain-glory and Applause, they never attained unto any thing of the same Kind with the due Mortification of sin.
Sect. 25(2) We may look into the Papacy, and take a View of the great Appearance of this Duty which is therein, and we shall find it all disappointed, because they are not led unto, nor taught the Duties whereby it may be brought about by the Spirit of God. They have by the Light of the Scripture a far clearer Discovery of the Nature and Power of sin, than had the Philosophers of Old. The Commandment also being variously brought and applyed unto their Consciences, they may be, and doubtless are and have been, many of them, made deeply sensible of the Actings and Tendency of In-dwelling sin. Hereon ensues a Terror of Death and Eternal Judgement. Things being so stated, Persons who were not profligate, nor had their Consciences seared, could not refrain from contriving wayes and means how Sin might be mortified and destroyed. But whereas they had lost a true Apprehension of the only Way whereby this might be effected, they betook themselves unto innumerable false ones of their own. This was the Spring of all the Austerities, Disciplines, Fastings, self-Macerations, and the like, which are exercised or in use among them. For although they are now in Practice turned mostly to the Benefit of the Priests, and an Indulgence unto Sin in the Penitents, yet they were invented and set on foot at first, with a Design to use them as Engines for the Mortification of sin; and they have a great Appearance in the Flesh unto that End and Purpose. But yet when all was done, they found by Experience that they were insufficient hereunto; Sin was not destroyed, nor Conscience pacified by them. This made them betake themselves to Purgatory. Here they have Hopes all will be set right, when they are gone out of this World, from whence none could come back to complain of their Disappointments. These things are not spoken to condemn even External Severities and Austerities, in Fastings, Watchings and Abstinencies in their proper place. Our Nature is apt to run into extremes; Because we see the vanity of the Papists in placing Mortification of Sin, in an outward Shadow and Appearance of it, in that Bodily Exercise which profiteth not; we are apt to think that all things of that Nature are utterly needless, and cannot be subordinate unto spiritual Ends. But the truth is, I shall much suspect their internal Mortification, (pretend what they will) who alwayes pamper the Flesh, indulge to their sensual Appetite, conform to the World, and lead their Lives in Idleness and Pleasures. Yea it is high time, that Professors by joynt-consent should retrench that Course of Life, in Fulness of Diet, Bravery of Apparel, Expence of Time, in vain Conversation, which many are fallen into. But these outward Austerities of themselves, I say, will never effect the End aimed at: For as to the most of them, they being such as God never appointed unto any such End or Purpose, but being the Fruit of mens own Contrivances and Inventions; let them be insisted on and pursued unto the most imaginable Extremities, being not blessed of God thereunto, they will not contribute the least towards the Mortification of Sin. Neither is there either Vertue or Efficacy in the residue of them, but as they are subordinated unto other spiritual Duties. So Hierome gives us an honest Instance in himself, telling us, that whilest he lived in his horrid Wilderness in Judea, and lodged in his Cave, his Mind would be in the Sports and Revels at Rome.
Sect. 26(3) The like may be said of the Quakers amongst our selves. That which first recommended them, was an Appearance of Mortification, which it may be also some of them really intended, though it is evident they never understood the Nature of it. For in the height of their outward Appearances, as they came short of the sorry Weeds, begging Habits, macerated Countenances, and severe Looks of many Monks in the Roman Church, and Devices among the Mahumetans; so they were so far from restraining or mortifying their real Inclinations, as that they seemed to excite and provoke themselves to exceed all others in Clamours, Railings, evil Speakings, Reproaches, Calumnies, and malicious Treating of those who dissented from them, without the least Discovery of an Heart filled with Kindness and Benignity unto Mankind, or love unto any but themselves; in which Frame and state of things, Sin is as secure from Mortification as in the Practice of open Lusts and Debaucheries. But supposing that they made a real industrious Attempt for the Mortification of sin, what success have they had, what have they attained unto? Some of them have very wisely slipt over the whole Work and Duty of it, into a pleasing Dream of Perfection. And generally finding the fruitlesness of their Attempt, and that indeed Sin will not be mortified by the Power of their Light within, nor by their Resolutions, nor by any of their austere outward Appearances, nor peculiar Habits or Looks, which in this matter are openly Pharisaical, they begin to give over their Design. For who among all that pretend to any Reverence of God, do more openly indulge themselves unto Covetousness, Love of the World, Aemulation, Strife, Contentions among themselves, severe Revenges against others, than they doe; not to mention the Filth and Uncleanness they begin mutually to charge one another withall. And so will all self-devised wayes of Mortification end. It is the Spirit of God alone who leads us into the Exercise of those Duties whereby it may be carryed on.
Sect. 27(Secondly,) It is required, that the Duties to be used unto this End be rightly performed, in Faith, unto the Glory of God. Without this, a Multiplication of Dutyes is an increase of Burden and Bondage, and that is all. Now that we can perform no Duty in this way or manner, without the especial Assistance of the Holy Spirit, hath been sufficiently before evinced: And the Duties which are appointed of God in an especial manner unto this End, are Prayer, Meditation, Watchfulness, Abstinence, Wisdom or Circumspection with reference unto Temptations and their prevalency. Not to go over these Duties in particular, nor to shew wherein their especial Efficacy unto this End and Purpose doth consist, I shall only give some general Rules concerning the Exercising of our Souls in them, and some Directions for their right performance.
Sect. 28(1) All these Dutyes are to be designed and mannaged with an especial Respect unto this End. It will not suffice that we are Exercised in them in general, and with regard only unto this general End. We are to apply them unto this particular Case, designing in and by them the Mortification and Ruine of sin. Especially, when by its especial Actings in us, it discovers it self in a peculiar Manner unto us. No man who wisely considereth himself, his State and Condition, his Occasions and Temptations, can be wholly ignorant of his especial Corruptions and Inclinations, whereby he is ready for halting, as the Psalmist speaks. He that is so, lives in the dark to himself, and walks at peradventures with God, not knowing how he walketh, nor whither he goeth. David probably had respect hereunto, when he said, I have kept the Wayes of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God; for all his Judgments were before me, and I did not put away his Statutes from me. I was also upright before him, and I kept my self from mine Iniquity, Psal. 18. 21, 22, 23. He could have done nothing of all this, nor have preserved his Integrity in walking with God, had he not known, and kept a continual Watch upon his own Iniquity, or that working of Sin in him which most peculiarly inclined and disposed him unto Evil. Upon this Discovery are we to apply these Dutyes in a particular Manner to the weakening and Ruine of the Power of Sin. And as they are all usefull and Necessary, so the Circumstances of our Condition will direct us, which of them in particular we ought to be most conversant in. Sometimes Prayer and Meditation claim this place, as when our Danger ariseth solely from our selves, and our own perverse Inclinations, disorderly Affections, or unruly Passions; sometimes Watchfulness and Abstinence, when Sin takes Occasion from Temptations, Concerns and Businesses in the World; sometimes Wisdom and Circumspection, when the Avoydance of Temptations and Opportunities for sin, is in an especial manner required of us. These Dutyes I say, are to be managed with a peculiar design to oppose, defeat and destroy the Power of sin, into which they have a powerfull Influence as designed of God unto that End. For,
Sect. 29(2) All these Duties rightly improved, work two wayes towards the End designed. 1. Morally, and by way of Impetration, namely, of Help and Assistance: 2. Really, by an immediate Opposition unto Sin and its Power, whence Assimulation unto Holiness doth arise.
(First,) These Duties work Morally, and by way of Impetration. I shall instance only in one of them, and that is Prayer. There are two parts of Prayer with respect unto Sin and its Power. (1) Complaints: (2) Petitions.
1. Complaint. So is the Title of Psal. 102. The Prayer of the Afflicted when he is overwhelmed, and powreth out his Complaint before the Lord. So David expresseth himself, Psal. 55. 2. Attend unto me, and hear me, I mourn in my Complaint, and make a Noyse. His Prayer was a Dolefull Lamentation. And Psal. 142. 2. I powred out my Complaint before him, I shewed before him my trouble. This is the first Work of Prayer, with respect unto Sin, its Power and Prevalency. The Soul therein pours out its Complaints unto God, and sheweth before him the trouble it undergoes on the Account thereof. And this it doth in an humble Acknowledgement of its Guilt, crying out of its Deceit and Violence. For all just and due Complaint respecteth that which is grievous, and which is beyond the Power of the Complainer to relieve himself against. Of this sort there is nothing to be compared with the Power of Sin, as to Believers.
Sect. 30 This therefore is and ought to be the principal Matter and Subject of their Complaints in Prayer. Yea, the very Nature of the whole Case is such, as that the Apostle could not give an Account of it without great Complaints, Rom. 7. 24. This part of Prayer indeed is with profligate Persons derided and scorned, but it is acceptable with God, and that wherein Believers find Ease and Rest unto their Souls. For, let the World scoffe while it pleaseth, what is more acceptable unto God, than for his Children, out of pure Love unto him and Holiness, out of fervent Desires to comply with his Mind and Will, and thereby to attain Conformity unto Jesus Christ, to come with their Complaints unto him, of the Distance they are kept from these things by the captivating Power of sins, bewailing their frail Condition, and humbly acknowledging all the Evils that they are liable unto upon the Account thereof? Would any man have thought it possible, had not Experience convinced him, that so much Luciferian Pride and Atheisme should possess the Minds o… thy who would be esteemed Christians, as to scoffe at and deride these things? that any one should ever read the Bible, or once consider what he is, and with whom he hath to doe, and to be ignorant of this Duty? But we have nothing to do with such Persons, but to leave them to please themselves whilest they may, with these fond and impious Imaginations. They will come either in this World, (which we hope and pray for) in their Repentance to know their Folly, or in another. I say, these Complaints of sin, powred out before the Lord, these Cryings out of Deceit and Violence, are acceptable to God, and prevalent with him to give out Aid and Assistance. He owns Believers as his Children, and hath the Bowels and Compassion of a Father towards them; Sin he knowes to be their greatest Enemy, and which fights directly against their Souls. Will he then despise their Complaints, and their bemoaning of themselves before him? will he not avenge them of that Enemy, and that speedily? See Jerem. 31. 18, 19, 20. Men who think they have no other Enemies, none to complain of, but such as oppose them, or obstruct them, or oppress them in their Secular Interests, Advantages and Concerns, are strangers unto these things. Believers look on sin as their greatest Adversary, and know that they suffer more from it than from all the World: Suffer them therefore to make their Complaints of it unto him who pities them, who will relieve them and avenge them.
Sect. 31 2. Prayer is directly Petitions to this purpose; it consists of Petitions unto God, for supplyes of Grace to conflict and conquer Sin withall. I need not prove this; No man Prayes as he ought, no man joyns in Prayer with another who prayes as he ought, but these Petitions are a part of his Prayer. Especially will they be so, and ought they so to be, when the Mind is peculiarly engaged in the Design of destroying sin. And these Petitions or Requests are, as far as they are gracious and effectual, wrought in us by the Holy Ghost, who therein maketh intercession for us according to the Will of God. And hereby doth he carry on this work of the Mortification of sin, for his Work it is. He makes us to put up prevalent Requests unto God, for such continual supplyes of Grace, whereby it may be constantly kept under, and at length destroyed. And this is the first way whereby this Duty hath an Influence into Mortification, namely, Morally and by way of Impetration.
Sect. 32 (Secondly,) This Duty hath a real Efficiency unto the same End. It doth its self (when rightly performed, and duly attended unto) mightily prevail unto the weakning and Destruction of sin. For in and by fervent Prayer, especially when it is designed unto this End, the Habit, Frame, and Inclinations of the Soul unto universal Holiness, with a Detestation of all sin, are increased, cherished, and strengthened. The soul of a Believer is never raised unto a higher Intension of spirit in the pursuit of, love unto, and delight in Holiness, nor is more conformed unto it, or cast into the mould of it, than it is in Prayer. And frequency in this Duty, is a principal means to fix and consolidate the mind in the form and likeness of it; And hence doe Believers oft-times continue in, and come off from Prayer above all Impressions from sin, as to Inclinations and Complyances. Would such a frame alwayes continue, how happy were we. But abiding in the Duty is the best way of reaching out after it. I say therefore that this Duty is really Efficient of the Mortification of sin, because therein all the Graces whereby it is opposed and weakened, are excited, exercised, and improved unto that End; as also the Detestation and Abhorency of sin is increased in us. And where this is not so, there are some secret flaws in the Prayers of men, which it will be their wisdom to find out and heal.
Sect. 33 Fourthly, The Holy Spirit carrieth on this work by applying in an especial manner the death of Christ unto us for that end. And this is another, thing which, because the World understandeth not, it doth despise. But yet in whomsoever the Death of Christ is not the death of sin, he shall dye in his sins. To evidence this Truth, we may observe (1) in general, That the Death of Christ hath an especial influence into the Mortification of sin, without which it will not be Mortified. This is plainly enough testified unto in the Scripture. By his Cross, that is, his Death on the Cross, We are crucified unto the world, Gal. 6. 14. Our old man is crucified with him, that the Body of sin might be destroyed, Rom. 6. 6. That is, sin is Mortified in us by vertue of the Death of Christ, (2) In the Death of Christ, with respect unto sin there may be considedered, 1. His Oblation of himself, and 2. The Application thereof unto us. By the first it is, that our sins are expiated as unto their Guilt; but from the latter it is, that they are actually subdued as to their Power. For it is by an Interest in, and a participation of the Benefits of his Death, which we call the Application of it unto us. Hereon are we said to be buried with him, and to rise with him, whereof our Baptism is a pledge; Rom. 6. 3, 4. not in an outward Representation, as some imagine of being dipped under the water, and taken up again (which were to make one sign the sign of another,) but in a powerful Participation of the vertue of the Death and Life of Christ, in a death unto sin, and newness of life in Holy Obedience, which Baptisme is a pledge of, as it is a token of our initiation and implanting into him. So are we said to be baptized into his death; or into the likeness of it, that is, into its power, ver. 3. (3) The old man is said to be crucified with Christ, or sin to be Mortified by the Death of Christ, as was in part before observed on two Accounts.
(1) Of Conformity. Christ is the Head, the Beginning or Idea, of the New Creation; The first born of every Creature. Whatever God designeth unto us therein, he first exemplified in Jesus Christ; And we are predestinated to be conformed to the Image of his Son, Rom. 8. 29. Hereof the Apostle gives us an express instance in the Resurrection. Christ the first Fruits, afterwards they that are Christs at his coming, 1 Cor. 15. 23. It is so in all things; all that is wrought in us, it is in resemblance and conformity unto Christ. Particularly, we are by Grace planted into the likeness of his Death, Rom. 6. 5. being made conformable unto his Death, Phil. 3. 10. and so to be dead with Christ, Col. 2. 20. Now this conformity is not in our Natural Death, nor in our being put to death as he was; for it is that which we are made partakers of in this Life, and that in a way of Grace and Mercy. But Christ died for sin, for our sin, which was the meritorious procuring cause thereof. And he lived again by the Power of God. A likeness and conformity hereunto God will work in all Believers. There is by nature a Life of sin in them, as hath been declared. This Life must be destroyed, sin must dye in us, and we thereby become dead unto sin. And as he rose again; So are we to be quickened in and unto newness of life. In this death of sin consists that Mortification which we treat about; and without which we cannot be conformed unto Christ in his Death, which we are designed unto. And the same Spirit which wrought these things in Christ, will in the pursuit of his Design, work that which answers unto them in all his Members.
Sect. 34(2) In respect of Efficacy; vertue goeth forth from the Death of Christ, for the subduing and Destruction of sin. It was not designed to be a dead, unactive, passive Example, but it is accompanied with a Power conforming and changing us into its own likeness. It is the Ordinance of God unto that End, which he therefore gives efficacy unto. It is by a fellowship or participation in his sufferings, that we are made conformable to his Death, Phil. 3. 10. this foreign, is an interest in the Benefit of his suffering; we also are made partakers thereof. This makes us conformable to his Death, in the Death of sin in us. The Death of Christ is designed to be the Death of sin; let them who are dead in sin deride it whilest they please. If Christ had not dyed, sin had never dyed in any sinner unto Eternity. Wherefore that there is a vertue and Efficacy in the Death of Christ unto this purpose, cannot be denyed without a Renuntiation of all the Benefits thereof. On the one hand the Scripture tells us, that he is our Life, our Spiritual Life, the Spring, Fountain, and Cause of it; we have nothing therefore that belongs thereunto but what is derived from him. They cast themselves out of the verge of Christianity, who suppose that the Lord Christ is no otherwise our Life, or the Authour of Life unto us, but as he hath revealed and taught the way of Life unto us; He is our Life as he is our Head. And it would be a sorry Head that should onelyonly teach the feet to go, and not communicate strength to the whole Body so to doe. And that we have real influences of Life from Christ, I have sufficiently proved before. Unto our spiritual Life doth ensue the Death of sin; for this on the other hand is peculiarly assigned unto his Death in the Testimonies before produced. This therefore is by vertue derived from Christ, That is, in an especial manner from his Death, as the Scripture testifies.
Sect. 35 All the Enquiry is, How the Death of Christ is applyed unto us, or which is the same, How we apply our selves to the Death of Christ for this purpose. And I answer, We do it two wayes.
(1) By Faith. The way to derive Vertue from Christ, is by touching of him. So the diseased Woman in the Gospel touched but the Hemme of his Garment, and Vertue went forth from him to stay her Bloody Issue, Math. 9. 22. It was not her Touching him outwardly, but her Faith which she acted then and thereby, that derived Vertue from him. For so our Saviour tells her in his Answer, Daughter be of good Comfort, thy Faith hath made thee whole. But unto what End was this touching of his Garment? It was only a Pledge and Token of the particular Application of the healing Power of Christ unto her Soul, or her Faith in him in particular for that End. For at the same time many thronged upon him in a presse, so as his Disciples marvelled he should ask who touched his Cloaths; Mark 5. 30, 31. yet was not any of them advantaged but the poor sick Woman. A great Emblem it is of common Profession on the one hand, and especial Faith on the other. Multitudes presse and throng about Christ in a Profession of Faith and Obedience, and in the real performance of many Duties; but no Vertue goeth forth from Christ to heal them. But when any one, though poor, though seemingly at a distance, gets but the least touch of him by especial Faith, this Soul is healed. This is our Way with respect unto the Mortification of Sin. The Scripture assures us, that there is Vertue and Efficacy in the Death of Christ unto that End. The Means whereby we derive this Vertue from him, is by Touching of him, that is, by Acting Faith on him in his Death, for the Death of Sin.
Sect. 36 But how will this effect it, how will sin be mortified hereby? I say, how, by what Power and Vertue were they healed in the Wilderness, who looked unto the Brazen Serpent? was it not because that was an Ordinance of God, which by his Almighty Power he made effectual unto that purpose? The Death of Christ being so as to the Crucifying of sin, when it is looked on, or applyed unto by Faith, shall not Divine Vertue and Power go forth unto that End? The Scripture, and Experience of all Believers, give Testimony unto the Truth and Reality thereof. Besides, Faith it self as acted on the Death of Christ, hath a peculiar Efficacy unto the subduing of sin; for, beholding him thereby as in a Glass, we are changed into the same Image; 1 Cor. 3. 18. And that which we peculiarly behold, we are peculiarly transformed into the Likeness of. And moreover, it is the only Means whereby we Actually derive from Christ the Benefits of our Vnion with him; from thence we have all Grace, or, there is no such thing in the World. And the Communication of it unto us, is in and by the Actual Exercise of Faith principally. So it being acted with respect unto his Death, we have Grace for the Killing of sin, and thereby become dead with him, Crucified with him, Buryed with him, as in the Testimonies before produced. This is that which we call, the Application of the Death of Christ unto us, or our Application of our selves to the Death of Christ for the Mortification of sin. And they by whom this Means thereof is despised or neglected, who are ignorant of it, or do Blaspheme it, must live under the Power of sin, unto what Inventions soever they turn themselves for Deliverance. According as we abide and abound herein, will be our success. Those who are careless and remiss, in the Exercise of Faith, by Prayer and Meditation, in the Way described, will find that Sin will keep its ground, and maintain so much Power in them as shall issue in their perpetual Trouble. And men who are much conversant with the Death of Christ, not in Notions and Lifeless Speculations, not in Natural or Carnal Affections, like those which are raised in weak Persons by Images and Crucifixes, but by holy Actings of Faith, with respect unto what is declared in the Scripture as to its Power and Efficacy, will be implanted into the Likeness of it, and experience the Death of sin in them continually.
Sect. 37(2) We do it by Love. Christ as Crucified is the great Object of our Love, or should so be. For he is therein unto sinners altogether Lovely. Hence one of the Ancients cryed out, foreign; My Love is crucified, and why doe I stay behind. In the Death of Christ, do his Love, his Grace, his Condescension, most gloriously shine forth. We may therefore consider three things with respect unto this Love. (1) The Object of it. (2) The Means of the Representation of that Object unto our Minds and Affections. (3) The Effects of it as to the Case in hand. The Object of it is Christ himself, in his unsearchable Grace, his unspeakable Love, his infinite Condescension, his patient Suffering, and victorious Power, in his Death, or dying for us. It is not his Death absolutely, but himself, as all these Graces conspicuously shine forth in his Death, which is intended. And there are various Wayes whereby this may be represented unto our Minds.
Sect. 38(1) Men may doe it unto themselves by their own Imaginations. They may frame and fancy dolorous things unto themselves about it, which is the way of Persons under deep and devout Superstitions. But no Love in sincerity will ever be ingenerated towards Jesus Christ hereby. (2) It may be done by others, in pathetical and tragical Declarations of the Outward part of Christs sufferings. Herein some have a great faculty to work upon the Natural Affections of their Auditors; And great Passions accompanyed with Tears and Vows may be so excited. But for the most part, there is no more in this Work, than what the same persons do find in themselves it may be, in the reading or hearing of a feigned Story. For there is a sympathy in Natural Affections with the things that are their proper Objects, though represented by false Imaginations. (3) It is done in the Papacy, and among some others, by Images, in Crucifixes and dolorous Pictures, whereunto they pay great Devotion, with an appearance of ardent Affections. But none of these are such a due Representation of this Object, as to ingenerate sincere Love towards Christ crucified in any Soul. Wherefore, (4) This is done effectually only by the Gospel, and in the Dispensation of it according to the Mind of God. For therein is Jesus Christ evidently crucified before our Eyes, Gal. 3. 1. And this is doth by proposing unto our Faith, the Grace, the Love, the Patience, the Condescension, the Obedience, the End and Design of Christ therein. So is Christ eyed by Faith as the proper Object of sincere Love. And being so stated, the Effects of it, as of all true Love, are, 1. Adherence; 2. Assimulation.
(1) Adherence; Love in the Scripture is frequently expressed by this Effect; The Soul of one did cleave or was knit unto another; as that of Jonathan to David, 1 Sam. 18. 1. So it produceth a firm Adherence unto Christ crucified, that makes a Soul to be in some sence alwayes present with Christ on the Cross. And hence (2) ensues Assimulation or Conformity. None treat of the Nature or Effects of Love, but they assign this as one of them, that it begets a Likeness between the Mind loving, and the Object beloved. And so I am sure it is in this matter. A Mind filled with the Love of Christ as crucified, and represented in the Manner and Way before described, will be changed into its Image and Likeness, by the effectual Mortification of sin, through a Derivation of Power and Grace from thence for that purpose.
Sect. 39 Fifthly; The Holy Ghost carryeth on this Work by constant Discoveries unto, and pressing on Believers, on the one hand, the true Nature and certain End of Sin; and on the other, the Beauty, Excellency, Vsefulness and Necessity of Holiness, with the Concerns of God, Christ, the Gospel, and their own Souls therein. A Rational Consideration of these things, is all the Ground and Reason of Mortification in the Judgements of some men. But we have proved, that there are other Causes of it also. And now I adde, that if we have no Consideration of these things, but what our own Reason is of it self able to suggest unto us, it will never be prevalent unto any sincere or permanent Attempt in the Mortification of any sin whatever. Let men make the best of their Reason they can, in the searching and Consideration of the perverse Nature and dreadfull Consequents of Sin, of the perfect Peace and future Blessedness which attendeth the Practice of Holiness, they will find an Obstinacy and Stubbornness in their Hearts, not conquerable by any such Reasonings or Considerations: That Conviction of Sin and Righteousness which is usefull and prevalent unto that End and Purpose, is wrought in us by the Holy Ghost, Joh. 16. 18. Although he makes use of our Minds, Understandings, Reasons, Consciences, and the best of our Consideration in this matter, yet if he give not a peculiar Efficacy and Power unto all, the Work will not be effectual. When he is pleased to make use of Reasons and Motives taken from the nature and end of Sin and Holiness, unto the Mortification of sin, they shall hold good, and bind the Soul unto this Duty, against all Objections and Temptations that would divert it whatever.
Sect. 40 And thus I have briefly, and I confess weakly and obscurely, delineated the Work of the Holy Ghost in the Sanctification of them that do Believe. Many things might have been more enlarged, and particularly enquired into; what have been discoursed, I judge sufficient to my present purpose. And I doubt not, but that what hath been argued from plain Scripture and Experience, is sufficient, as to direct us in the Practice of true Evangelical Holiness, so with all sober Persons to cast out of all Consideration that fulsome Product of Pride and Ignorance, that all Gospel Holiness consists in the Practice of Moral Vertues.