The Nature, Power, Deceit, and Prevalency of Indwelling Sin

But here we must distinguish between the habitual ⟨p. 62⟩frame of the heart, and the natural propensity or habitual inclination of the Law of Sin in the heart. The habitual inclination of the heart is denominated from the principle that bears Chief or Sovereign Rule in it; and therefore in Believers it is unto Good, unto God, unto holiness, unto obedience. The heart is not habitually inclined unto evil by the remainders of Indwelling Sin, but this Sin in the heart hath a constant habitual propensity unto evil in its self, or its own nature. This the Apostle intends by its being present with us; it is present with me, that is, always, and for its own end, which is to lust unto sin.

But here we must distinguish between the habitual ⟨p. 62⟩frame of the heart, and the natural propensity or habitual inclination of the Law of Sin in the heart. The habitual inclination of the heart is denominated from the principle that bears Chief or Soveraign Rule in it; and therefore in Believers it is unto Good, unto God, unto holiness, unto obedience. The heart is not habitually inclined unto evil by the remainders of Indwelling Sin, but this Sin in the heart hath a constant habitual propensity unto evil in its self, or its own nature. This the Apostle intends by its being present with us; it is present with me, that is, alwayes, and for its own end, which is to lust unto sin.

It is with Indwelling-Sin as with a River; whilst the Springs and Fountains of it are open, and waters are continually supplied unto its streams, set a dam before it, and it causeth it to rise and swell, until it bear down all, or overflow the banks about it. Let these waters b• abated, dried up in some good measure, in the springs of them, and the remainder may be coerced and restrained. But still as long as there is any running water it will constantly press upon what stands before it, according to its weight and strength, because it is its nature so to do. And if by any means it make a passage, it will proceed. So is it with Indwelling-Sin: whilst the springs and fountains of it are open, in vain is it for men to set a dam before it by their convictions, resolutions, vows and promises. They may check it for a while, but it will increase, rise high, and rage at one time or another, until it bears down all those convictions and resolutions, or makes it self an underground-passage