Of the Mortification of Sin in Believers

1. This kind of Endeavour for Mortification, proceeds from a corrupt Principle, Ground and Foundation, so that it will never proceed to a good Issue. The true and acceptable Principles of Mortification shall be afterward insisted on. Hatred of Sin as Sin, not only as galling or disquieting, sense of the Love of Christ in the Cross lies at the bottom of all true spiritual Mortification. Now it is certain, that that which I speak of proceeds from self-love. Thou settest thy self with all diligence and earnestness to mortify such a Lust or Sin; what is the Reason of it? It disquiets thee, it hath taken away thy peace, it fills thy heart with sorrow and trouble, and fear, thou hast no rest because of it; Yea but Friend, thou hast neglected Prayer or Reading, thou hast been vain and lo•se in thy Conversation in ⟨p. 81⟩other things that have not been of the same nature with that lust wherewith thou art perplexed; These are no less sins and evils, than those under which thou groanest; Jesus Christ bled for Them also; Why dost thou not set thy self against them also? If thou hatedst sin as Sin, every evil way, thou wouldst be no less watchful against every thing that grieves and disquiets the Spirit of God, than against that which grieves and disquiets thine own Soul. It is evident that thou contendest against sin, merely because of thy own trouble by it. Would thy Conscience be quiet under it, thou wouldst let it alone. Did it not disquiet thee, it should not be disquieted by thee. Now, canst thou think that God will set in with such hypocritical Endeavours; that ever his Spirit will bear witness to the treachery and Falsehood of thy Spirit? Dost thou think he will ease thee of that which perplexeth Thee, that thou mayst be at liberty to that which no less grieves Him? No, (says God,) here is one▪ if he could be rid of this Lust I should never hear of him more, let him wrestle with this, or he is lost. Let not any man think to do his own work, that will not do God's. God's work consists in universal Obedience; To be freed of the present perplexity is their own only. Hence is that of the Apostle, 2 Cor. 7.1. Cleanse your selves from all pollution of Flesh ⟨p. 82⟩and Spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord. If we will do any thing, we must do all things.