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

1. In that it giveth stop or control unto that exceeding greatness of power which is put forth in the Word, in their Conviction and Reformation. We see it by experience, that Men are not easily wrought upon by the Word; the most of men can live under the dispensation of it all the days of ⟨p. 277⟩their lives, and continue as senseless and stupid as the seats they sit upon, or the flint in the Rock of Stone. Mighty difficulties, and prejudices must be conquered, great strokes must be given to the Conscience before this can be brought about. It is as the stopping of a River in his course, and turning his streams another way; the hindering of a stone in his falling downwards, or the turning away of the wild Ass, when furiously set to pursue his way, as the Prophet speaks, Jer. 2. 24. to turn Men from their corrupt ways, sins and pleasures, to make them pray, fast, hear, and do many things contrary to the Principle of flesh, which is secretly predominant in them, willingly and gladly; to cause them to profess Christ and the Gospel, it may be under some trials and reproaches, to give them Light to see into sundry mysteries, and gifts for the discharge of sundry duties; to make dead, blind, senseless Men, to walk, and talk, and do all the outward offices and duties of living and healthy Men; with the like attendencies of Conviction and Reformation, are the effects and products of mighty power and strength. Indeed the power that the Holy Ghost puts forth by the word, in the staggering and conviction of sinners, in the wakening of their Consciences, the enlightening of their minds, the changing of their affections, the awing of their hearts, the reforming of their lives, and compelling them to duties, is unexpressible.

1. In that it giveth stop or control unto that exceeding greatness of power which is put forth in the Word, in their Conviction and Reformation. We see it by experience, that Men are not easily wrought upon by the Word; the most of men can live under the dispensation of it all the dayes of ⟨p. 277⟩their lives, and continue as sensless and stupid as the seats they sit upon, or the flint in the Rock of Stone. Mighty difficulties, and prejudices must be conquered, great stroaks must be given to the Conscience before this can be brought about. It is as the stopping of a River in his course, and turning his streams another way; the hindering of a stone in his falling downwards, or the turning away of the wild Ass, when furiously set to pursue his way, as the Prophet speaks,