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

But now, unto all these is there check and control given by Indwelling Sin. It prevails against this whole work of the Spirit by the Word, with ⟨p. 278⟩all the advantages of Providential Dispensations, in Afflictions and Mercies, wherewith it is attended. When Sin is once enraged, all these things become but like the withs & cords wherewith Sampson was bound before his head was shaven: Cry but to it, the Philistines are upon thee, here is a subtle, a suitable temptation, now show thy strength and efficacy, all these things become like Tow that have smelt the fire. Conscience is stifled, Reputation in the Church of God despised, Light supplanted, the impressions of the Word cast off, convictions digested, Heaven and Hell are despised; Sin makes its way through all, and utterly turns the Soul from the good and right ways of God. Sometimes it doth this subtly by imperceptible degrees, taking off all force of former impressions from the Spirit, by the Word, sullying Conscience by degrees, hardening the Heart, and making sensual the Affections by various workings, that the poor backslider in heart scarce knows what he is doing, until he be come to the very bottom of all impiety, profaneness, and enmity against God. Sometimes falling in conjunction with some vigorous temptation, it suddenly, and at once plunges the Soul into a course of alienation from God, and the profession of his ways.

But now, unto all these is there check and control given by Indwelling Sin. It prevails against this whole work of the Spirit by the Word, with ⟨p. 278⟩all the advantages of Providential Dispensations, in Afflictions and Mercies, wherewith it is attended. When Sin is once enraged, all these things become but like the withs & cords wherewith Sampson was bound before his head was shaven: Cry but to it, the Philistines are upon thee, here is a subtle, a suitable temptation, now shew thy strength and efficacy, all these things become like Towe that have smelt the fire. Conscience is stifled, Reputation in the Church of God despised, Light supplanted, the impressions of the Word cast off, convictions digested, Heaven and Hell are despised; Sin makes its way through all, and utterly turns the Soul from the good and right ways of God. Sometimes it doth this subtilly by imperceptible degrees, taking off all force of former impressions from the Spirit, by the Word, sullying Conscience by degrees, hardning the Heart, and making sensual the Affections by various workings, that the poor backslider in heart scarce knows what he is doing, until he be come to the very bottom of all impiety, profaneness, and enmity against God. Sometimes falling in conjunction with some vigorous temptation, it suddenly, and at once plunges the Soul into a course of alienation from God, and the profession of his ways.