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

Secondly, In the opposition it makes unto particular duties.

First, In the opposition it makes to the general purpose and course of the soul. There is none in whom is the Spirit of Christ, that is his, but it is his general design and purpose to walk in an universal conformity unto him in all things. Even from the inward frame of the heart, to the whole compass of his outward actions, so it is with him. This God requires in his Covenant, Gen. 17. 1. Walk before me, and be thou perfect. Accordingly his design is to walk before God, and his frame is sincerity and uprightness therein. This is called, Cleaving unto the Lord with purpose of heart, Acts. 11. 23. that is, in all things, and that not with a slothful, dead, ineffectual purpose, but such as is operative, ⟨p. 73⟩and sets the whole soul at work in pursuit of it. This the Apostle sets forth, Phil. 3. 12, 13, 14. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not my self to have apprehended, but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. He useth three words excellently expressing the souls universal pursuit of this purpose of heart in cleaving unto God, First, saith he, [Greek or Hebrew], ver. 12. I follow after, prosecute; the word signifies properly to persecute, which with what earnestness and diligence it is usually done, we know. Secondly, [Greek or Hebrew], I reach forward, reaching with great intention of spirit and affections. It is a great and constant endeavour that is expressed in that word. Thirdly, [Greek or Hebrew], say we, I press towards the mark, that is, even as men that are running for a prize. All set forth the vigour, earnestness, diligence and constancy that is used in the pursuit of this purpose. And this the nature of the principle of Grace requireth in them in whom it is. But yet we see with what failings, yea fallings, their pursuit of this course is attended. The frame of the heart is changed, the heart is stolen away, the affections entangled, eruptions of unbelief and distempered passions discovered, carnal wisdom with all his attendances are set on work; all contrary to the general principle and purpose of the soul.