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

WE have seen the seat and subject of this Law of Sin. In the next place we might take a view of its nature in general, which also will manifest its power and efficacy. But this I shall not enlarge upon; it being not my business to declare the nature of Indwelling-Sin, it hath also been done by others. I shall therefore only in reference unto our special design in hand, consider one property of it, that belongs unto its nature: And this always where ever it is. And this is that which is expressed by the Apostle, Rom. 8. 7. The carnal mind is enmity against God; that which is here called, [Greek or Hebrew], the wisdom of the flesh, is the same with the Law of Sin, which we insist on. And what says he hereof? Why it is [Greek or Hebrew], enmity against God It is not only an Enemy, for so possibly some Reconciliation of it unto God might be made, but it is Enmity it self, and so not capable of accepting any terms of peace. Enemies may be reconciled, but enmity cannot. Yea, the only way to reconcile Enemies, is to destroy the enmity. So the Apostle in another ⟨p. 37⟩case tells us, Rom. 5. 10. We who were Enemies, are reconciled unto God; that is, a work compassed and brought about by the blood of Christ; the reconciling of the greatest enemies. But when he comes to speak of enmity, there is no way for it, but it must be abolished and destroyed, Eph. 2. 15. Having abolished in his flesh the enmity: There is no way to deal with any enmity whatever, but by its abolition or destruction.

WE have seen the seat and subject of this Law of Sin. In the next place we might take a view of its nature in general, which also will manifest its power and efficacy. But this I shall not enlarge upon; it being not my business to declare the nature of Indwelling-Sin, it hath also been done by others. I shall therefore only in reference unto our special design in hand, consider one property of it, that belongs unto its nature: And this alwayes where ever it is. And this is that which is expressed by the Apostle, Rom. 8. 7. The carnal mind is enmity against God; that which is here called, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, the wisdom of the flesh, is the same with the Law of Sin, which we insist on. And what sayes he hereof? Why it is , enmity against God It is not only an Enemy, for so possibly some Reconciliation of it unto God might be made, but it is Enmity it self, and so not capable of accepting any terms of peace. Enemies may be reconciled, but enmity cannot. Yea, the only way to reconcile Enemies, is to destroy the enmity. So the Apostle in another