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

But now notwithstanding that all these considerations are preached unto men, and pressed upon them in the Name of the great God from day to day, from one year to another; yet, as was before observed, very few there are who set their ⟨p. 274⟩hearts unto them, so as to embrace that which they lead unto. Tell men ten thousand times, that this is Wisdom, yea, Riches, that all their profit lies in it, that they will assuredly and eternally perish, & that it may be within a few hours, if they receive not the Gospel, assure them that it is their only interest and concernment, let them know that God himself speaks all this unto them; yet all is one, they regard it not, set not their hearts unto it, but, as it were, plainly say, We will have nothing to do with these things; they will rather perish in their lusts than accept of mercy.

Thirdly, It is Indwelling-sin that both disenableth men unto, and hinders them from believing, & that alone. Blindness of mind, stubbornness of the will, sensuality of the affections, all concur to keep poor perishing souls at a distance from Christ. Men are made blind by sin, and cannot see his Excellencies, obstinate and will not lay hold of his Righteousness senseless and take no notice of their own eternal concernments.

Now certainly that which can prevail with men wise and sober, and prudent in other things, to neglect and despise the love of God, the blood of Christ, the eternal welfare of their own souls, upon weak and worthless pretences, must be acknowledged to have an astonishable force and efficacy accompanying it.