Human nature in its fourfold state ... In several practical discourses

CASE III. I find the motions of sin in my heart more violent, since the Lord began his work on my soul, than they were before that time. Can this consist with a change of my nature? Ans Dreadful is the case of many, wh•• after God has had a remarkable dealing with their souls, tending to their reformation, have thrown off all bonds; and have become grossly and openly •mmoral and profane; as if the devil had returned into their hearts, with seven spirits worse than himself. All I sh•ll say to such persons is, that their state is exceeding dangerous: they are in danger of sinning against the Holy Ghost: therefore let them repent, before it be too late. But if it be not th•• with you: tho' corruption is bestirring itself more violently than formerly, as if all the forces of hell were raised, to hold fast, to b•ing back a fugitive; I say, these stirrings may consist with a cha•ge of your nature. When the restraint of grace is newly laid upon corruption, it is no wonder if this last acts more vigorously than before, warring against the law of the mind, Rom. vii. 23. The motions of sin may really be most violent; when a new principle is brought in to cast it out. And, as the sun, sending its beams through the window, discovers the motes in the house, and their motions, which were not seen before: so the light of grace may discover the rising and actings of corruption, in another manner than ever the man saw them before; tho' they really do not rise nor act more vigorously. Sin is not quite dead in the regenerate soul, it is but dying; and, dying a lingering death, being crucified, no wonder there be great fightings, when it is sick at the heart, and death is at the door. Besides temptations may be more in number, and stronger, while Satan is striving to bring you back who are escaped, than while he endeavoured only to retain you: After the were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions, says the Apostle, to the Hebrews, chap. x. 32. But cast not away your confidence, ver. 34. Remember his grace is sufficient for you, and the God of peace will bruise Satan under your feet shortly. Pharaoh and his Egyptians never made such a formidable appearance against the Israelites, as at the Red sea, after they were brought out of Egypt: but then were the pursuers nearest to a total overthrow,