The fitth device that Satan hath to keep souls in a sad, doubting, and questioning condition is,
Device (5). By suggesting to them, That that conflict that is in them, is not a conflict that is only in saints, but such « coiplict that is to be Jound in hypocrites and profane souls; when the truth is, there 1s as much diff rence betwixt the conflict that 1s in them, and that which 1s in wicked men, as there is betwixt light and darkness, betwixt heaven and hell And the truth of this I shall evidence to you in the following particulars:
LL.) Lhe whole frame of «a believer’s soul is against sin. Understanding, will, and atlection, all the powers and faculties of the soul are 1m
arms against sin. A covetous man may condemn covetousness, and yet the frame and bent of his heart may be to it; a proud person may condemn pride, and yet the frame of his spirit may be to it; and the drunkard may condemn drunkenness, and yet the frame of his spirit may be to it; a man may condemn stealing and lying, and yet the frame of his heart may be to it! Thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? Rom. ii. 21-23. But a saint’s will is against it. The evil that I would not do, that T do; and his affections are against it, What I hate, I do,” Rom. vii. 19, 20.
[2.] A saint conflicts against sin universally, the least as well as the greatest; the most profitable and the most pleasing sin, as well as against those that are less pleasing and profitable. He will combat with all, though he cannot conquer one as he should, and as he would. He knows that all sin strikes at God’s holiness, as well as his own happiness; at God’s glory, as well as at his soul’s comfort and peace.”
He knows that all sin is hateful to God, and that all sinners are traitors to the crown and dignity of the Lord Jesus. He looks upon one sin, and sees that that threw down Noah, the most righteous man in the world, and he looks upon another sin, and sees that that cast down Abraham, the greatest believer in the world, and he looks upon another sin, and sees that that threw down David, the best king in the world, and le looks upon another sin, and sees that that cast down Paul, the greatest apostle in the world. He secs that one sin threw down Samson, the strongest man in the world; another cast down Solomon, the wisest man in the world; and another Moses, the meekest man in the world; and another sin cast down Job, the patientest man in the world; and this raiseth a holy indignation against all, so that nothing can satisfy and content his soul but a destruction of all those lusts and vermin that vex and rack his righteous soul. It will not suffice a gracious soul to see justice done upon one sin, but he cries out for justice upon all. He would not have some crucified and others spared, but cries out, Lord, crucify them all, crucify them all. Oh! but now the conflict that 1s in wicked men is partial; they frown upon one sin and smile upon another; they strike at some sins yet stroke others; they thrust some out of doors but keep others close in their bosoms; as you may see in Jehu, Herod, Judas, Simon Magus, and Demas. Wicked men strike at gross sins, such as are not only against the law of God, but against the laws of nature and nations, but make nothing of less sins; as vain thoughts, idle words, sinful motions, petty oaths, &e.
They fight against those sins that fight against their honour, profits, pleasures, &e., but make truce with those that are as right hand and as right eyes to them, &c.
[3.] The conflict that is in a saint, against sin, is maintained by several «arguments: by arsuments drawn from the love of God, the i honour ot God, the sweetness and communion with God, and from the spiritual and heavenly blessings and privileges that are conferred upon. them by God, and from arguments drawn from the blood of Christ, the glory of Christ, the eye of Christ, the kisses of Christ, and the intercession of Christ, and from arguments drawn from the earnest of the Spirit, the seal of the Spirit, the witness of the Spirit, the comforts of the Spirit. Oh! but the conflict that is in wicked men is from low, carnal, and legal arguments, drawn from the eye, ear, or hand of the creature, or drawn from shame, hell, curses of the law, &e., 2 Cor. x11. 7-9.1
[4.] The conflict that is in saints 1s « constant conflict. Though sin and grace were not born in the heart of a saint together, and though they shall not die together, yet, whilst a believer lives, they must conflict together. Paul had been fourteen years converted, when he cried out, ‘ I have a law in my members rebelling against the law of my mind, and leading me captive to the law of sin,” Rom. vii. 2, 3.