A second volume of discourses or sermons on several scriptures

Secondly, As God by his exciting Grace hinders those Sins that might arise in the Heart, so he also suppresseth those Sins that do arise. There is the greatest contrariety imaginable betwixt inherent Sin, and inherent Grace; when the one is vigorous, the other languisheth; when the one is acted, the other grows dull and sluggish: Now both these opposite Principles have their seat and abode in the same Heart, and both of them are in continual expectation of exciting influence to call them forth into act. Indwelling Corruption that is usually roused up by Temptation, when it stirs in the heart, and is ready to break forth in the life; Habitual Grace, though it looks ⟨p. 301⟩on, yet is of it self so feeble, that it can make no opposition till a kindly influence from the Spirit of God calls out some particular Grace that is directly contrary to that Sin that stirs, and this resists and subdues it. This Method God used in keeping the Apostle from sinning, 2 Cor. 12. He was there under a sharp and pungent Temptation; that is therefore called a Thorn in the Flesh, v. 7. Satan buffets, and the Apostle prays; and God answers, My Grace is sufficient for thee: My Grace is sufficient, not thy Grace; that Grace that is in thee, is but weak and helpless; yea, a very nothing, if I withdraw my influence from it; but that quickening Grace that flows from me, that alone is sufficient to remove the Temptation, and to prevent the Sin. Why, now while God's exciting Grace worked upon the Apostle's inherent Grace, this Temptation, this Thorn in the Flesh only made him more watchful, and more industrious against it; but if God should have suspended this his Influence, this Thorn in the Flesh would immediately, notwithstanding all his Grace, sadly have wounded his Conscience, by the commission of some great ⟨p. 302⟩and foul Sin. Now, as all manner of Sin lies couched in that Body of Sin that we bear about with us; so all manner of Grace lies couched in that Principle of Grace that God implants in his own Children. Now, when the Devil by his Temptations calls forth some particular Sin, God also at the same time by his exciting Grace calls forth a particular Grace, to hinder the commission of that Sin. Thus, when they are tempted to Pride, God calls forth Humility to prick that swelling, puffing Bladder; when they are tempted to Wrath and Passion, he stirs up Meekness;