_Next_, That it is usual
for sins after mercy, convictions, and resolution, to appear so heinous,
that they may seem to overtop the mercy of God, and the merits of Christ,
a soul is most apt to be troubled with guilt contracted after pardon, and
a desire of purity. But withal I would, in the _Last_ place represent to
you, that there is no ground of despair or discouragement for such an one
though there be ground of humiliation and mourning. There is a provision
made in the gospel against these continually incident fears, there is a
security against the hazard of surprising sins, and, this comfort belongs
only to such souls as unfeignedly desire not to sin, and are in some
measure persuaded by the grace of God not to sin, not to those who
willingly give themselves up to their own lusts. It is as common a
doctrine as any, that sin hath some lodging in every man's heart and
flesh, and is not totally cast out, but only bound with chains within,
that it do not exercise its old dominion over a believer. But I fear, the
most common truths, though they be most substantial in themselves, are yet
but circumstantial in our apprehensions, and very rarely and
extraordinarily have place in the deeper and more serious thoughts of our
hearts. They are commonly confessed, it is true, but as seldom considered,
I am sure. For who did truly ponder the inclineableness of our nature to
sin, the strong propension of the heart to evil, the deceitfulness of sin
itself, and the many circumstantial helps and additions it gets to its
strength, but would stand in awe, and watch seriously over himself. I dare
say, many sin, rather because of a misapprehended immunity from it and a
misreckoning of their own measure and strength, than because of the
strength of sin itself. I know no one thing makes sin so strong as
this,--that we do not apprehend our own weakness, and so give over
watchfulness, which is the greatest and best part of our armour of
defence, when it is done in faith, and this watch kept on the tower of the
Lord's promises. The apprehension of our escaping the pollutions of the
world, and of some strength to resist them; this adds no more strength to
us, but diminisheth and taketh from our vigilance and so exposeth us, as
it were, naked and secure, to the cruelty of our adversary. I would wish
every Christian to be thoroughly acquainted, and often conversant in two
books of sophistry, I may so term them--the deceitfulness of his own heart,