328 MORTIFICA be found in a successful discharge of this duty, it is re quired 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, altho' the Lord Christ giveth them out freely and bountifully, yet our diligence induty will give the measure of receiv- ing 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 supplies to this end. And, (2.) That we live and a- bound in the actual exercise of all those graces, which are most directly opposite unto those peculiar lusts or corruptions that weare most exercised withal, or ob- noxious unto: for sin and grace do try 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 op- posed 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 themortification 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 use, as also that they are appointed of God unto this end. And then, 2. That weperform them in a due manner. And both these we must have from the Spirit of God: be is given to believers, to lead them into all truth; he teacheth and instructs them by the word, not onlywhat duties are incumbent on them, but also how to perform them, and with respect unto what ends: (First,) Iris required, that we know them aright, in their stature, use, and ends. For want hereof, or through the neglect of lookingafter it, all sorts of men have wandered after foolish imaginations about this work, either as to the nature of the work itself, or as to the means whereby it may be effected: for it being a grace and duty of the gospel, thence only is it truly 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. TION OF SIN, Sect. 24.-0.) A general apprehension that some- what of this nature is necessary, arising from the ob- servation of the disorder of our passions, and the exor- bitancy 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 sub- duing the disorderly affections of the mind, conquering passions, moderating desires, and the like. But whilst their discoveries of sin rose no higher than the actual disorder they found in the affections and passions of the mind, whilst they knew nothing of the depravation of the mind itself, and had nothing to oppose unto what they did discover, but moral considerations, and those most of them notoriously influenced by vain -glory and applause, they never attained unto any thing of the samekind 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 disco- very ofthe nature and power of sin than had the philo- sophersofold. The commandment also being variously brought and applied unto their consciences, they may be, and doubtless are, and have been, many of them, made, deeply sensible of the actings and tendency of indwelling sin. Hereon ensues a terror of death and eternal judgment. Things being so stated, persons who were not profligate, nor had their consciences seared, could not refrain from contriving ways and means how sin might be mortified and destroyed. But whereas they had lost a true apprehensionof the only way where- by 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 ultimo' they are now inpractise turn- ed mostly to the benefitof 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 ap- pearance 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, a;
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=