Sermons preached

2. The Flesh which remaineth in us is importunate to be pleased; and though it be not superior in the Soul, yet it hath a great deal of Strength, that still we need, even to the ⟨p. 201⟩very last, to keep watching and striving, and must resolve to be deaf to its Entreaties and Solicitations. 1 Pet. 1. 14. Not fashioning your selves to the former Lusts of your Ignorance, or accommodating your selves to please the Flesh; that is, they must not cast their Conversations into a carnal Mould, nor suffer their Choice and Actions to be directed and governed by the Influence of the Flesh, or give up themselves to the Satisfaction of their sinful Desires. In short, former Lusts are but in part subdued, our old Love to them may be soon kindled, and the Bias of Corruption gather Strength again, and the Gates of the Senses are always open to let in such Objects as take part with the Flesh, and stir it up. Therefore we must not imagine that there is no need of Diligence, or Striving and Watching. Holy Paul saw a need of beating down his Body; lest, after he had preached to others, he himself should be a Cast-away, 1 Cor. 9. 26. After so many years Service in the Cause of Christ, this great Champion was not secure of the Adversary he carried about with him. There is need of Caution to the last, that we do not revert into our old Slavery. The contrary Principle in us still retaineth some Life and Vigour, though much abated; there is not such a Con-naturality and Agreement between the Heart and Sin, as there was before; but yet Sin still dwelleth and worketh in us, and we are often foiled by it.

2. The Flesh which remaineth in us is importunate to be pleased; and though it be not superior in the Soul, yet it hath a great deal of Strength, that still we need, even to the ⟨p. 201⟩very last, to keep watching and striving, and must resolve to be deaf to its Entreaties and Sollicitations. 1 Pet. 1. 14. Not fashioning your selves to the former Lusts of your Ignorance, or accommodating your selves to please the Flesh; that is, they must not cast their Conversations into a carnal Mould, nor suffer their Choice and Actions to be directed and governed by the Influence of the Flesh, or give up themselves to the Satisfaction of their sinful Desires. In short, former Lusts are but in part subdued, our old Love to them may be soon kindled, and the Bias of Corruption gather Strength again, and the Gates of the Senses are always open to let in such Objects as take part with the Flesh, and stir it up. Therefore we must not imagine that there is no need of Diligence, or Striving and Watching. Holy Paul saw a need of beating down his Body; lest, after he had preached to others, he himself should be a Cast-away,