Mortification of Sin (Continued)

Jindthey that are Christ’s, have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts. Galatians V: 24.

In a former discourse from these words, I considered what is implied in mortification of sin, wherein it resembles crucifixion, and the means of promoting it.

In further discussing the subject, 1 propose, in this discourse, to consider

I. The evidence that the work is begun and is in progress.

II. Inferences from the whole. III. Motives to engage immediately in the duty. I. By what may we know that the work is begun 1

1. If the work is begun in us, we shall possess tenderness of conscience in regard to all sin

2. We shall ardently desire to be delivered from sin. Sin will be our greatest burden — that from which above all things we shall long to be free. We shall pant after conformity to God — we shall hunger and thirst after righteousness

3. We shall watch against temptation, and carefully avoid it. When a person is disposed to tamper with temptation, and to inquire if he may not safely do this or that, it indicates a bad state of heart — it shows that he loves sin, and would indulge in it freely, if he could

do it with safety

4. Death will appear desirable, because it delivers from sin. Paul said, ‘’I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far bette

5?

To ascertain whether this work is in progress, let us ask ourselves some such questions as these.

1. Are we more and more submissive under afflictive dispensations of providence?

2. Are we more and more able to bear the reproaches of enemies? Do they cause us less and less uneasiness? Do we find it more and more easy to forgive ‘?

When persons are disposed to make much of what they suflfr, it indicates a low state of grace. The humble Christian thinks of his Master, and is ashamed.

3. Is it more and more easy to part with the comforts of life, at the call of God 1 Does the work of self-denial become easier — do we take more and more satisfaction in deeds of charity — have we evidence that the world is growing less in our esteem 1

4. Do we find it easier to resist sin in its first motions 1

5. Do we bear prosperity and adversity with greater equanimity? Are we less elated by the one, and less depressed by the other ]

6. Are our hearts more steadily fixed on the duties of religion 1 Does our purpose to maintain a religious life become more and more steadfast 1

Finally — do we discover things to be sinful which we formerly thought little of?

A person may feel that he is less sinful than he once was; and yet this may be no evidence of the fact. He may think he is growing belter, when in fact, he is waxinof worse and worse. This is often the case with impenitent sinners. Bunyan informs ns that before his conversion, he was for some time very strict and punctual in his religious duties, and thought that no man in England served God better than himself.

Nor is it decisive evidence either way, that a person feels that he is waxing worse and worse. This feeling may be the result of a clear conviction of a person’s true character and condition. And it may be the result of growth in grace. The Christian may feel that he is growing worse, because he discovers new sources of wickedness in himself, while at the same time, things which have always appeared sinful, appear more and more sinful. This is true of all who are making progress in the Christian life. This may appear a paradox to some. But it is a fact, that the most holy men have always made the most complaints of their sinfulness. Job, David, Isaiah, Daniel, and Paul, are examples.

II. Inferences.

1. The life of the Christian is not an idle life. We are exhorted to watch — to pray — to strive — to wrestle — to run — to fight.

2. If mortification of sin is the great business of the Christian, then those who give occasion for our corruptions to rise, do us a real injury. This is particularly true of those who Hatter our pride and vanity. Yet we are apt to regard them as our best friends. But this is a sad mistake. They do us a serious injury.

Those who in a serious, solemn and affectionate manner, warn us of our danger, and make us most uneasywit h our sins, are our very best friends. They are the persons whose friendship it is our highest interest to cultivate

3. If mortification of sin is the great business of the Christian, then we have reason to fear that the number of real Christians is small.

How few appear to possess the marks which the Bible gives us of the Christian. How few of whom it can be truly said, ‘’ they have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts.” How many there are, who, instead of wishing to be told their sins, secretly hate those who are faithful to them. These do not bear the marks of a Christian. “Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.” ‘’Reprove a scorner, and he will hate you.”

4. This subject teaches us the use of afflictions. They help on the work of mortification. Our hearts are such that we cannot bear prosperity. Hence tlue children of God are often found in the deepest affliction. God corrects them in mercy.

“We have had fathers of our flesh, who corrected us, and we gave them reverence. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of Spirits and live? They, for their pleasure, corrected us, but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.”

5. The most desirable situation in life, is that which is most free from temptation — that which affords the best advantages to gain the victory over our sins, and to grow in grace. And yet how prone we are to covet the riches, honors and pleasures of this life, which raise mountains between us and heaven

6. We see the benefit of Christian fellowship. It aids in the great work of mortification. Here “two are better than one, for they have a good reward of their labor.”

III. I come now to offer some motives to induce my hearers to engage immediately in this duty.

1. Your present comfort and happiness demand it. There is a double satisfaction attending it — that of having pei formed a Christian duty, and that which results from clearer evidence of your interest in the promises. “If ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body ye shall live.” ‘’Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall live with him.” Would you then, on good ground, be delivered from distressing doubts, and painful suspense, respecting your interest in Christ, engage immediately in this duty. There is no other way in which your doubts can be removed.

Mortification of sin, is also attended with inward peace — a calm serenity of soul. Sinful indulgence creates disquietude and alarm. The wicked are like the troubled sea when it cannot rest. But great peace have they that love God’s law

2. Your usefulness in the cause of Christ depends on it. If you refuse to mortify your sins, you will have no heart to do good. Conscious guilt will hold you back. David prayed,” restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will 1 teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall be converted unto thce.^^

3. Your safety in the hour of temptation depends on it. All are more or less exposed to temptation. If you have not been inured to mortification and self-denial, you will be an easy prey. You will be taken by surprise, and be in danger of falling into the snare of the devil.

4. The honor of religion requires it. Are you afraid of bringing reproach on the cause of religion; then deal faithfully with your hearts. All the disgrace brought upon religion, by Christian professors, is owing to unmortified sin.

If you have fallen because you have suffered sin to take deep root, it will be difficult for others to reclaim you. The unhumbled and unsanctified heart, will be found unmanageable. You will be likely to persist in your evil course, and thus bring still greater disgrace on the cause of religion. If all are found guilty of neglecting their own hearts, discipline will cease. So many being guilty nothing will be done. Those who are unfaithful to themselves, will be unfaithful to others. In this manner churches have run down and become extinct. The candlestick has been removed out of its place. Brethren, the honor of religion requires that you engage in this duty.

5. It is a necessary preparation for the day of adversity. There is noihing like it to fit you to bear affliction. If you are not dead to the world, it will be hard parting with it. If you are dead to the world, it will be easy parting with it.

6. When tempted to sin, think what will be gained or lost by indulgence. Set heaven on the one hand, and hell on the other. Weigh the matter well. Think again, what it is, for which you are about to barter away your soul. What is it, for which you are willing to lose heaven, and endure the pains of hell forever 1 Think what the damned in hell now suffer for that very sin.

Finally. Let every sinner in this house take warning. The way to heaven lies directly opposite to every feeling of the natural heart. Sinner, you must part with your sins, or part with heaven. However painful, the work must he done. God requires it on pain of eternal death. ‘Tor if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die.” It is reduced to this single point. You must kill, or be killed. Now is the time to break off your sins. The longer the work is delayed, the greater is the difficulty. Sinful habits become stronger and stronger; and your case will soon become desperate. Let the awful warning of our Saviour sink deep into every heart. ‘’ If thine eye offend thee, pluck it out. It is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire, where the worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.’^