On the Nature of Indwelling-Sin in Believers

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1830 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIII. Indwelling Sin proved powerful from its Deceit. Proved to be deceitful. The general Nature of Deceit, James i. 14, opened. How the Mind is drawn off from its Duty by the Deceitfulness of Sin. The principal Duties of the Mind in our Obedience. The Ways and Means whereby it is turned from it. The second part of the evidence of the power of tin from its manner of operation, is taken from its deceitfulness. It adds in its working, deceit unto power. The efficacy of that must needs be great, and is carefully to be watched against, by all such as value their souls, where power and deceit are combined; especially advantaged and assisted by all the ways and means before insisted on. Before we come to shew wherein the nature of this deceitfulness of sin doth consist, and how it prevaileth thereby, some testimonies shall be briefly given in unto the thing itself, and some light unto the general nature of it. That sin, indwelling sin, is deceitful, we have the express testimony of the Holy Ghost; "take heed that ye be not hardened by the deceitfulness of sin," Heb. iii. 13. Deceitful it is, take heed of it, watch against it, or it will produce its utmost effect, in hardening of the heart against God. It is on the account of sin, that the heart is said to be "deceitful above all things," Jer. xvii. 9- Take a man in other things, and, as Job speaks, though he " would be wise and crafty, he is like the wild ass's colt," Job xi. 12; a poor, vain, empty nothing. But consider his heart, on the account of this law of sin, it is crafty and deceitful above all things. "They are wise to do evil," saith the prophet, "but to do good they have no knowledge," Jer. iv. 22. To the same purpose speaks the apostle, "the old man is corrupt, according to...