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

But you will say, Do we not see it by experience; that many are wrought upon by the preaching of the Law to a relinquishment of many sins, and amendment of their Lives, and to a great contending against the Eruptions of those other corruptions which they cannot yet mortify; and it cannot be denied, but that great is the power and efficacy of the Law, when preached and applied to the Conscience in a due manner: I answer,

But you will say, Do we not see it by experience; that many are wrought upon by the preaching of the Law to a relinquishment of many sins, and amendment of their Lives, and to a great contending against the Eruptions of those other corruptions which they cannot yet mortifie; and it cannot be denyed, but that great is the power and efficacy of the Law, when preached and applyed to the Conscience in a due manner: I answer,

First, It is acknowledged, that very great and effectual is the power of the Law of God. Great are the effects that are wrought by it; and it shall surely accomplish every end for which of God it is appointed. But yet the subduing of sin, is none of its work; it is not designed of God unto that purpose; and therefore it is no dishonour, if it cannot do that which is not its proper work, Rom. 8. 3.

Secondly, Whatever effects it have upon some, yet we see that in the most, such is the power and prevalency of sin, that it takes no impression at all upon them. May you not see every where men living many years in Congregations where the Law is powerfully preached, and applied unto the Consciences as to all the ends and purposes for which the Lord is pleased to make use of it, and not once be moved by it; that receive no more ⟨p. 290⟩