I. Scripture-light the most sure light ... delivered in three sermons on 2 Pet.…

Answ. 6 If your Sin do arise chiefly from some outward cause, it is a sin of Infirmity; for then it is not so much from will to commit, as from want of strength to resist. The sin which the Apostle speaks of, Gal. 6.1. is a sin of infirmity, and the man that commits it, is said to be over-taken. Now when a man is upon his journey travelling, and is over-taken by another person, his inward inclination and disposition was not to meet the other: So when a man is over-taken by Sin, it argues that his sin doth proceed from some outward cause; and when it doth proceed from some outward cause, then he is truly said to be over-taken with it. 'Tis true, the worst of men say they are over-taken, when they sin: O! saith the Drunkard, I confess I was drunk at such a time, and in such a place, but I was drawn into it; my inward disposition was otherwise, but I was so and so over-taken. But if men were only over-taken, and surprised by their Sin, then why are they angry with those who keep them from their sin? why are they in their own Element, and never more at home than in the way of their sin? and why do they so heartily will that which is the cause of their sin? It may be they do not will the Effect, namely, Drunkenness; but do they not will that which is the cause thereof? He that is over-taken ⟨p. 391⟩with a sin, is unexpectedly surprised with the cause thereof; and therefore if it be not a gross, and scandalous sin, it is a Sin of Infirmity.

Answ. 6 If your Sin do arise chiefly from some outward cause, it is a sin of Infirmity; for then it is not so much from wil to commit, as from want of strength to resist. The sin which the Apostle speaks of, Gal. 6.1. is a sin of infirmity, and the man that commits it, is said to be over-taken. Now when a man is upon his journey travelling, and is over-taken by another person, his inward inclination and disposition was not to meet the other: So when a man is over-taken by Sin, it argues that his sin doth proceed from some outward cause; and when it doth proceed from some outward cause, then he is truly said to be over-taken with it. 'Tis true, the worst of men say they are over-taken, when they sin: O! saith the Drunkard, I confess I was drunk at such a time, and in such a place, but I was drawn into it; my inward disposition was otherwise, but I was so and so over-taken. But if men were only over-taken, and surprized by their Sin, then why are they angry with those who keep them from their sin? why are they in their own Element, and never more at home than in the way of their sin? and why do they so heartily wil that which is the cause of their sin? It may be they do not wil the Effect, namely, Drunkenness; but do they not wil that which is the cause thereof? He that is over-taken