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

Secondly, There are two things that are necessary in the creature that hath conceived sin, for the bringing of it forth. First, Power. Secondly, Continuance in the will of sinning, until it be perpetrated and committed. Where these two are, actual sin will unavoidably ensue. It is evident therefore, that that which hinders conceived sin from being brought forth, must affect either the power or the will of the sinner. This must be from God. And he hath two ways of doing it. First, by his Providence, whereby he obstructs the power of sinning. Secondly, By his Grace, whereby he diverts or changes the will of sinning. I do not mention these ways of Gods dispensations thus distinctly, as though the one of them were always without the other; for there is much of grace in providential administrations, and much of the wisdom of providence seen in the dispensations of grace. But I place them in this distinction, because they appear most eminent therein. Providence in outward acts respecting the power of the creature, Grace common or special in internal efficacy, respecting his will. And we shall begin with the first.

Secondly, There are two things that are necessary in the creature that hath conceived sin, for the bringing of it forth. First, Power. Secondly, Continuance in the will of sinning, until it be perpetrated and committed. Where these two are, actual sin will unavoidably ensue. It is evident therefore, that that which hinders conceived sin from being brought forth, must affect either the power or the will of the sinner. This must be from God. And he hath two waies of doing it. First, by his Providence, whereby he obstructs the power of sinning. Secondly, By his Grace, whereby he diverts or changes the will of sinning. I do not mention these waies of Gods dispensations thus distinctly, as though the one of them were alwaies without the other; for there is much of grace in providential administrations, and much of the wisdom of providence seen in the dispensations of grace. But I place them in this distinction, because they appear most eminent therein. Providence in outward acts respecting the power of the creature, Grace common or special in internal efficacie, respecting his will. And we shall begin with the first.

First, When sin is conceived, the Lord obstructs its production by his providence in taking away, or taking short that power which is absolutely necessary for its bringing forth or accomplishment. As,