The real Christian, or, A treatise of effectual calling wherein the work of God…

Answ. It is possible, and hath been found so by woeful experience, especially where the work began betimes; when Christians come to such years, to such employments, to such states and conditions in public places, to such conditions of life, in all which changes are made, there rises up new corruptions, which had not the opportunity to show themselves before, and make heavy work in the hearts of poor Christians: When a man hath been worried with one corruption which hath cost him much sorrow and pains, thinks he, if I can but get over this, I hope, my journey will be pretty comfortable; I do not observe any other lust that hath so much power, but I think I can more easily grapple with. Well, that corruption is taken down, he is in a great measure quiet from that which cost him so much trouble; but in the room of that there rises another: O Lord, saith the Soul, this is worse, this is stronger than that; and now the Soul knows not what to think, but concludes its state is his, which Christ mentions, Luke 11.25, &c. Where the unclean spirit being cast out, the house swept and garnished, he taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself: thus it is with me, thinks the man: A sad Text, and too true of some, who are swept and garnished with idols of self-righteousness, and formality of worship set up in them, who prove more desperate enemies to Gospel-faith, sound Believers, and real power of godliness, than are many drunkards and unclean persons: but as to the sound Believer, who apprehends this to be his condition, from a new upstart lust, that crawls out now the warm Sun of occasion and temptation shines upon that side of the dunghill of his corrupt heart, this is his comfort, that Jesus Christ, whom I received for my King and Lord, he will be my Redeemer from this lust also: I choose him, and apply his Lordship to this; he hath engaged against whatever it be that should come in between me and him, to make my heart unsound and rotten: If then they do rise, as they will, unexpected, yet if thine eye be upon them, and canst carry them to Christ, and doest not say, O spare me in this, but let this lust feel ⟨p. 267⟩the power of thy iron Mace, Psal. 2.9. deliver me from this enemy too strong for me: Canst please thy self in thinking, Christ is engaged for me against it, he will undertake it for me, and help me through his strength and redemption to be above it?