The Christians great interest

He saith, that whilst he is under the power and law of sin, There is somewhat in the bottom of his heart opposing it, although over-mastered by it which would be another way, and when that gets the upper hand, it is a delight some thing, Rom. 7. 22, 25. upon these things he thanks God in Christ, that there is no condemnation, Rom. 7. 25. Rom. 8. 1. Now then look if ye can lay claim to these things (1.) If you do blame your self, and approve the Law, whilst you fail. (2.) If you can say that you do often resolve against sin honestly, and without known guile, and do so resolve the contrary good before the evil break in upon you. (3.) If you can say, that you are so far exercised with your failings as to judge your self wretched, because of such things, and a body of death, which is the Root and Fountain ⟨p. 59⟩of such things. (4.) If you can say, that there is a party within you opposing these evils, which would be at the right way, and, as it were, is in its Element, when it is in Gods way, it is well; only be advised not to take rest until in some measure, you be rid of the ground of this objection, or at least, until you can very clearly say, you are waging war with these things: Now a good help against the prevailing power of sin, is, to cleave close to Christ Jesus by Faith, which as it is a desirable part of sanctification, and a notable piece of Conformity to Gods will, and most subservient unto his design in the Gospel, Gal. 2, 20, 21. and so should be much endeavoured by people, as a work pleasing to God, Job. 6. 29. So it is the ready way to draw life and sap from Christ, the blessed root for fruitfulness in all cases, as John 15. 4, 5.

He saith, that whilst he is under the power and law of sin, There is somewhat in the bottom of his heart opposing it, although over-mastered by it which would be another way, and when that gets the upper hand, it is a delight some thing,