tion and conversion to God, as the Scripture abundantly testifies, so it hath been fully taught and confirmed; as also how the guilt of it is pardoned unto them, and by what means the power of it is weakened in them. All these things, I say, have been largely treated on, to the great benefit and edification of the church. In what we have now in design, we therefore take them all for granted, and endeavour only farther to carry on the discovery of it in its actings and oppositions to the law and grace of God in believers. Neither do I intend the discussing of any thing that hath been controverted about it. What the Scripture plainly revealeth and teacheth concerning it, what believers evidently find by experience in themselves, what they may learn from the examples and acknowledgments of others, shall be represented in a way suited unto the capacity of the meanest and weakest who is concerned therein. And many things seem to render the handling of it, at this season, not unnecessary. The effects and fruits of it which we see, in the apostasies and backslidings of many, the scandalous sins and miscarriages of some, and the course and lives of the most, seem to call for a due consideration of it. Besides, of how great concernment a full and clear acquaintance with the power of this Indwelling Sin (the matter designed to be opened) is unto believers, to stir them up to watchfulness and diligence, to faith and prayer, to call them to repentance, humility, and self-abasement, will appear in/our progress. These, in general, were the ends aimed at in the ensuing discourse; which being at first composed and delivered for the use and benefit of a few, is now, by the providence of God, made public. And if the reader receive any advantage by these weak endeavours, let him know that it is his duty, as to give glory unto God, so to help them by his prayers, who, in many temptations and afflictions, are willing to labour in the vineyard of the Lord, unto which work they are called. CONTENTS. Indwelling Sin a Law. In what Sense it is so called. What kind of Law it is. An inward The Seat or Subject of the Law of Sin, the Heart. What meant thereby. Properties of the Heart as possessed by Sin; unsearchable, deceitful. Page Nature of Sin further discovered, as it is Enmity against God. Its Aversation from all Good The Work of this Enmity against God, by Way of Opposition. First, It lusteth. Wherein the Lusting of Sin consisteth: in surprising of the Soul; Readiness to close with Temptations; Its fighting and warring. (1) In Rebellion The captivating Power of Indwelling Sin, where- in it consisteth. The Prevalency of Sin, when The Deceit of Sin, in drawing off the Mind from its Attendance unto particular Duties, farther discovered. Several Things required in the Mind of Believers with respect unto par- ticular Duties of Obedience. The Actings of The Conception of Sin through its Deceit. Where- in it consisteth. The Consent of the Will unto Sin. The Nature thereof. Ways and Means whereby it is obtained. Other Advan- |