Now this strength which is thus made up of so many ingredients, doth further appear in the Effects of it, which are these Three, all comprised in the general word of Obeying it in the Lusts thereof, which denotes a full & uncontrolled Power in sin. First, the fomenting▪ entertaining, 1cherishing of lust, shaping of it, delighting in it, consenting unto it; when a man doth join himself to sin, and settle himself upon it, & set his heart to it, and respect it in his heart, and study & consult it, and resolve upon it. Secondly, Executing of it, and bringing into act the suggestions of the flesh thus conceived, yielding to the commands, drudging in the service, drawing iniquity with cords and cartropes, resigning both heart and hand to the obedience of sin. Thirdly, Finishing it, going on without weariness or murmuring, without repenting or repining in the ways of Lust, running in one constant channel, till like the waters of Jordan the soul drop into the dead lake. All these three Saint James hath put together to show the gradations, and the danger of fleshly Lusts. Every man is Tempted, when he is drawn away of his own Lusts and enticed; Lust when it hath Conceived bringeth forth sin, and sin when it is Finished bringeth forth Death. First, there is the Suggestion, Lust draweth away ⟨p. 287⟩and enticeth. Secondly, the Conception and formation, in the delight and consent of the will. Thirdly, the Execution, and bringing into act. Fourthly, the Consummation and accomplishment of Lust, filling up the measure, going on unweariedly to the last, till there is no hope, and so abusing the patience and long suffering of God unto destruction. Sin grows till it be ripe for the slaughter; now if men in the interim cut off their sins, and turn to God before the decree be sealed, before he stir up all his wrath, and will suffer his Spirit no longer to strive, if they consecrate that little time & strength they have left to Gods Service, then the kingdom of sin is pulled down in them. To this purpose is the Counsel2 of Daniel to Nebuchadnezzar; That he should break off his sins by righteousness, and his iniquities by showing mercy to the poor, that is, he should relinquish those sins which were most predominant in him;
Now this strength which is thus made up of so many ingredients, doth further appeare in the Effects of it, which are these Three, all comprised in the generall word of Obeying it in the Lusts thereof, which denotes a full & uncontroled Power in sin. First, the somenting▪ entertaining, 1cherishing of lust, shaping of it, delighting in it, consenting unto it; when a man doth joine himselfe to sin, and setle himselfe upon it, & set his heart to it, and respect it in his heart, and studie & consult it, and resolve upon it. Secondly, Executing of it, and bringing into act the suggestions of the flesh thus conceived, yeelding to the commands, drudging in the service, drawing iniquitie with cords and cartropes, resigning both heart and hand to the obedience of sin. Thirdly, Finishing it, going on without wearinesse or murmuring, without repenting or repining in the waies of Lust, running in one constant chanell, till like the waters of Iordan the soule drop into the dead lake. All these three Saint Iames hath put together to shew the gradations, and the danger of fleshly Lusts. Euery man is Tempted, when he is drawne away of his owne Lusts and enticed; Lust when it hath Conceiued bringeth forth sinne, and sinne when it is Finished bringeth forth Death. First, there is the Suggestion, Lust draweth away ⟨p. 287⟩and enticeth. Secondly, the Conception and formation, in the delight and consent of the will. Thirdly, the Execution, and bringing into act. Fourthly, the Consummation and accomplishment of Lust, filling vp the measure, going on vnweariedly to the last, till there is no hope, and so abusing the patience and long suffering of God unto destruction. Sinne growes till it be ripe for the slaughter; now if men in the interim cut off their sinnes, and turne to God before the decree be sealed, before he stirre up all his wrath, and will suffer his Spirit no longer to strive, if they cōsecrate that litle time & strength they have left to Gods Service, then the kingdome of sin is pull'd downe in them. To this purpose is the Counsell2 of Daniel to Nebuchadnezar; That he should breake off his sinnes by righteousnesse, and his iniquities by shewing mercie to the poore, that is, he should relinquish those sins which were most predominant in him;
- 1Hos. 9▪ 7. Zeph. 1. 12. Psal. 66. 18. Hos. 4. 8. Mic. •. 1. Ezek. 33. 31. Rom. 6. 19, 20. Isaiah. 5. 18.Hos. 9▪ 7. Zeph. 1. 12. Psal. 66. 18. Hos. 4. 8. Mic. •. 1. Ezek. 33. 31. Rom. 6. 19, 20. Esai. 5. 18.
- 2Dan. 4. 27.
