Ot7R CONDITION IN THIS WORLD., of sin, and not sanctified, it is like that which is in hell and the kingdom of darkness. Satan is not divided against himself, nor is there such a confusion and dis- order in his kingdom as to destroy it; but it hath a con- sistency from the common end of all that is in it, which is an opposition unto God, and all that is good. Such a peace and order there may be in an unsanctified mind. There being no active principle in it for God, and that which is spiritually good, all works one way, and all its troubled streamshave the same course; but yet they cony tinually cast up mire and dirt. There is only that peace in suchminds whirls the strong man armed, that is Satan, keeps his goods in, until a stronger than he comes to bind him. And if any óne think that peace and order to be sufficient for him, wherein his mind, in all its faculties, acts uniformly against God, or for self, sin, and the world, without any opposition or contradiction, he may find as much in hell when he comes there. Sect. 10. (2.) There is a difference between a con- fusion and a rebellion. Where a confusion is in a state, all rule or government is dissolved, and every thing is let loose unto the utmost disorder and evil. But where the rule is firm and stable, there may be rebellions that may give some parts and places disturbances and dam- age, but yet the whole state is not disordered thereby. So is it in the condition of a sanctified soul on the ac- count of the remainders of sin; there may be rebellion In it, but there is no confusion. Grace keeps the rule in the mind and heart firm and stable, so that there is peace and assurance unto the whole state of the person, though lusts and corruptions will be rebelling and war- ring against it. The divine order therefore of the soul consisting in the rule of grace, subordinating all to God in Christ, is never overthrown by the rebellion of sin at any time, be it never so vigorous or prevalent. But in the state of smsanctified persons, though there be no rebellion, yet is there nothing but confusion. Sin bath the rule and dominionin them; and however men may be pleased with it for a season, yet is there nothing but perfect disorder, because it is a continual opposition to God. It is a tyranny that overthrows all law, and rule, and order, with respect unto our last and chiefest end. Sect. 11. (3.) The soul of a believer bath that satis- faction in this conflict, as that its peace is notordinarily disturbed, and is never quite overthrown by it. Such a person knows sin to be his enemy, knows its design, ô D 333 with the aidsand assistances which are prepared for him against its deceit and violence; and considering the na- ture and end of this contest, is satisfied with it. 1ca, the greatest hardships that sin can reducea believer unto, do but put him to the exercise of those graces and duties wherein he receiveth great spiritual satisfaction: such are repentance, humiliation, godly sorrow, self-abase- ment, and abhorrency, with fervent outcries fordeliver- ance. Now, although these things seem to have that which is grievous and dolorous prevailing in them, yet the graces of the Spirit of God being acted in them, they are so suited unto the nature of the new creature, and so belong unto the spiritual order of the soul, that it finds secret satisfaction in them all. But the troubles others meet withal in their own hearts and minds on the account of sin, is from the severe reflections of their consciences only, and they receive them no otherwise, but as certain presages and predictions of future and eternal misery. Sect. 12.(1.) A sanctified person is secured of suc- cess in this conflict, which keeps blessed peace and or- der in his sent during its continuance. There is a two- fold success against the rebellious actings of the remain- ders ofindwelling sin: (1.) In particular instances. (2.) In the whole cause. And in both these have we suffi- cient assurance of success, if we be not wanting unto ourselves. I. For suppose the contest be considered with respect unto any particular lust and corruption, and that in conjunction with some powerful temptation, we have sufficient and blessed assurance, that, abiding in the diligent use of the ways and means assigned unto us, and the improvement of the assistance provided in the covenant of grace, we shall not so fail of actual success, as that lest should conceive, bringforth, andfinish sin, 2 Cor. ii. 12. But if we be wanting unto ourselves, negligent in our known duties and principal concerns, it is no wonder if we are sometimes cast into disorder, and foiled by the powers of sin. But, 2. As to the general success of the whole cause, namely, that sin shall not utterly deface the image of God in us, nor absolutely or finally ruin our souls, which is its end and tendency, we have the covenant faithfulness of God (which will not fail us) for our secu- rity, Rom. vi. 11. Wherefore, notwithstanding this opposition, and all that is ascribed,unto it, there ispeace 34,
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