DEPTHS OF SIN. 35 which is continually operative, and working for its pre- servation from such sins. The new creature is living and active, from its own growth, increase, and security, according to the tenor of the covenant of grace, " It lusteth against the flesh." It is naturally active for its own preservation and increase ; as new-born children have a natural inclination to the food that will keep them alive, and cause them to grow. The soul then cannot fall into these entangling sins, but it must be with a high neglect of that very principle which is bestowed upon it for quite contrary ends and purposes. The la- borings, lustings, desires, crying of it, are neglected. It is from God, and of God, and is the renovation of his image in us; that which God owneth and careth for; and the wounding of its vitals, the stifling of its operations, the neglect of its endeavors for the soul's preservation, always attend sins of such magnitude. 2. As this principle of life and obedience is not able of itself to preserve the soul from such sins as will bring it into depths; there is full provision for continual sup- plies of it in Jesus Christ. There are treasures of relief in Christ, to which the soul may at any time repair, and. find succor against the incursions of sin. He says to the soul, as David to Abiathar, when he fled from Doeg, " Abide with me, fear not : he that seeketh my life, seeketh thy life ; but with me thou shalt be in safety." Sin is my enemy no less than thine; it seeks the life of thy soul, and it seeks my life; abide with me, for with me thou shalt be in safety. To this the apostle ex- horts us, " Let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Heb. 4 : 16. If ever it be a time of need with a soul, it is when under the assaults of provoking sins; at such a time there is suitable and seasonable help in Christ for succor and relief. The new creature begs, with sighs and groans, that the soul would apply
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