Thirdly, Though it do its worst, yet be sure it never prevail to a conquest. Be sure you be not wearied out by its pertinacy, nor driven from your hold by its importunity; Do not faint by its opposition. Take the Apostles advice Heb. 6. 11. We desire that every one of you, do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end that ye be not slothful. Still hold out in the same diligence. ⟨p. 55⟩There are many ways whereby men are driven from a constant holy performance of duties, all of them dangerous, if not pernicious to the soul. Some are diverted by business, some by company, some by the power of temptations, some discouraged by their own darkness; but none so dangerous as this, when the soul gives over in part, or in whole, as wearied by the Aversation of sin unto it, or to communion with God in it. This argues the souls giving up of it self unto the power of sin, which unless the Lord break the snare of Satan therein, will assuredly prove ruinous. Our Saviours instruction is, that we ought always to pray, and not to faint, Luke 18. 1. Opposition will arise, none so bitter and keen as that from our own hearts; if we faint we perish. Take heed lest you be wearied, saith the Apostle, and faint in your minds, Heb. 12. 3. Such a fainting as is attended with a weariness and that with a giving place to the Aversation working in our hearts, is to be avoided, if we would not perish. The caution is the same with that of the same Apostle, Rom. 12. 12. Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer. And in general with that of Chap. 6. 12. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lust thereof. To cease from duty, in part, or in whole, upon the Aversation of sin unto its spirituality, is to give sin the Rule, and to obey it in the lust thereof. Yield not then unto it, but hold out the conflict; wait on God and ye shall prevail, Isa. 40. 31. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as Eagles, they shall run and not be weary, ⟨p. 56⟩and they shall walk and not faint. But that which is now so difficult, will increase in difficulty if we give way unto it. But if we abide in our station, we shall prevail, the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
Thirdly, Though it do its worst, yet be sure it never prevail to a conquest. Be sure you be not wearied out by its pertinacy, nor driven from your hold by its importunity; Do not faint by its opposition. Take the Apostles advice Heb. 6. 11. We desire that every one of you, do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end that ye be not slothful. Still hold out in the same diligence. ⟨p. 55⟩There are many wayes whereby men are driven from a constant holy performance of duties, all of them dangerous, if not pernicious to the soul. Some are diverted by business, some by company, some by the power of temptations, some discouraged by their own darkness; but none so dangerous as this, when the soul gives over in part, or in whole, as wearied by the Aversation of sin unto it, or to communion with God in it. This argues the souls giving up of it self unto the power of sin, which unless the Lord break the snare of Satan therein, will assuredly prove ruinous. Our Saviours instruction is, that we ought alwayes to pray, and not to faint, Luke 18. 1. Opposition will arise, none so bitter and keen as that from our own hearts; if we faint we perish. Take heed lest you be wearied, saith the Apostle, and faint in your minds, Heb. 12. 3. Such a fainting as is attended with a weariness and that with a giving place to the Aversation working in our hearts, is to be avoided, if we would not perish. The caution is the same with that of the same Apostle, Rom. 12. 12. Rejoycing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer. And in general with that of Chap. 6. 12. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lust thereof. To cease from duty, in part, or in whole, upon the Aversation of sin unto its spirituality, is to give sin the Rule, and to obey it in the lust thereof. Yield not then unto it, but hold out the conflict; wait on God and ye shall prevail, Isa. 40. 31. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as Eagles, they shall run and not be weary, ⟨p. 56⟩and they shall walk and not faint. But that which is now so difficult, will increase in difficulty if we give way unto it. But if we abide in our station, we shall prevail, the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
