400 .The. NATURE and Pow F ti unfearchablereceffes of the heart, as to its in being and nature, though it may be greatlyweakened in its power ; Let us then reckon on it, that there is no way to have our work done, but by always doing of it; and he who dies lighting in this warfare dies Alacrity a conqueror. 2.) I-lath it its refidence in that which is various, incouffant, deceitfulabove all things, this calls for perpetual wathchfulnefs againft in An open ene- my that deals byviolence only always gives forte refpite you know where to have him, and what he is doing, fo as that fowetimes you may fleep quietly without fear: but againft adverfariesthat deal by deceit and treache- ry, which are long fwords, and reach at the greateft diftance, nothing will give fecurity but perpetual watchfulnefs. It is impofiible we fhould in this cafe be too jealous, doubtful, fufpicious, ór watchful, The heart hath a thoufand wiles and deceits, and if me are in the leaft offfrom our watch, we maybe fure to be furprifed. Hence are thole reiterated com- mands and cautions given for watching, for being circumfpe&, diligent, careful, and the like. There is no living for them who have to deal with an enemy deceitful above all things, unlefs they perfift in fuch a frame. All cautions that are given in the cafe are neceffary, efpecially that, Remem- ber not to believe. Doth the heart promife fair? Reft not on it, but fay to the Lord Chrift, Lord, do thou undertake for me. Doth the fun Thine fair in the morning? Reckon not therefore on a fair -day; the clouds may arife and fall: though the morning give a fair ap- pearance of ferenity and peace, turbulent affe&ions may arife, and cloud the foul with fin and darknefs. 3.) Copal-nit then the whole matter with all care and diligence unto hiin who can fearch the heart to the uttermoft, and knows how to pre- vent all its treacheries and deceits. In the things before mentioned lies our ditty; but here lies our fafety. There is no treacherous corner in our . hearts, but he can fearch it to the uttermoft ; there is no deceit in them but he can difappoint it. This courfe David takes, Pfal. cxxxix. after he had fet forth the omniprefence of God, and his omnifcience, ver. 8, 9, to. he makes improvement of it, ver. 23. Search me, O Lord, and try me. As if he had faid, It is but a little that I know of my deceitful heart, only I would be fincere, I would not have referves for fin retained therein; wherefore do thou, who are prefent with my heart, who know-eft my thoughts long before, undertake this work, perform it throughly, for thou alone art able fo to do: There are yet other arguments for the evidencing of the power and ftrength of indwelling fin, from whence it is termed a law, which we inuit pafs through according to the order wherein before we laid them down. C H A P.
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