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

so that there is no doubt but that he communicates supplies of grace for their increase in holiness abundantly unto all his Saints. Whence then is it that they do not all flourish and thrive accordingly? As you may see it oftentimes in a natural body, so is it here. Though the seat and rise of the blood and spirits in head and heart be excellently good and sound, yet there may be a withering member in the body; somewhat intercepts the influences of life unto it. So that though the heart and head do perform their office, in giving of supplies no less to that, than they do to any other member, yet all the effect produced, is merely to keep it from utter perishing; it grows weak and decays every day. The withering and decaying of any member in Christs mystical body, is not for the want of his communication of grace for an abundant life, but from the powerful interception that ⟨p. 236⟩is made of the efficacy of it, by the interposition and opposition of In-dwelling Sin. Hence it is that where Lust grows strong, a great deal of Grace will but keep the Soul alive, and not give it any eminency in fruitfulness at all. Oftentimes Christ gives very much Grace, where not many of its effects do appear. It spends its strength, and power, in withstanding the continual assaults of violent corruptions and lusts, so that it cannot put forth its proper virtue towards farther fruitfulness. As a virtuous Medicine, that is fit both to check vicious and noxious humours, and to comfort, refresh and strengthen Nature, if the evil humour be strong and greatly prevailing, spends its whole strength and virtue in the subduing and correcting of it, contributing much less to the relief of Nature than otherwise it would do, if it met not with such oppositions: So is it with the eye-salve, and the healing grace which we have abundantly from the wings of the Sun of Righteousness. It is forced oftentimes, to put forth its virtue to oppose and contend against, and in any measure subdue prevailing lusts and corruptions: That the Soul receiveth not that strengthening unto duties and fruitfulness which otherwise it might receive by it, is from hence.

so that there is no doubt but that he communicates supplies of grace for their increase in holiness abundantly unto all his Saints. Whence then is it that they do not all flourish and thrive accordingly? As you may see it oftentimes in a natural body, so is it here. Though the seat and rise of the blood and spirits in head and heart be excellently good and sound, yet there may be a withering member in the body; somewhat intercepts the influences of life unto it. So that though the heart and head do perform their office, in giving of supplies no less to that, than they do to any other member, yet all the effect produced, is meerly to keep it from utter perishing; it grows weak and decaies every day. The withering and decaying of any member in Christs mystical body, is not for the want of his communication of grace for an abundant life, but from the powerful interception that