SERMON XI – Thomas Manton

Doct. The more Christians set themselves to obey the new Na∣ture, the more is the power of inbred Corruption mortified and kept under.

To understand this Point, let me lay down these Propo∣sitions.

I. That there is a diversity of Principles in a Christian, Flesh and Spirit.

1. There is a good Principle, called Spirit, because the Spirit is the Author of it. Ezek. 36:26. A new Heart, and a new Spirit will I put into you. It is called also the Divine Na∣ture, 2. Pet. 1:4. because it is made up of those gracious Qualities wherein we resemble God. The Seed remaining, 1 Joh. 3:9. because it is not a transient operation, but a per∣manent habit, disposing and inclining the Soul to God and Heaven. The new Man, Eph. 4:24. because we have it not by Nature, but by Grace, we are new formed to the Image of God. Now the use of this Principle may be known, part∣ly by the manner how it is wrought in us, and partly by the uses and ends for which it serveth.

1. For the manner how it is wrought in us by the Spirit, that is set forth, Heb. 8:10. I will put my Laws in their Mind, and write them in their Hearts. The directive and imperial Power of the Soul is sanctified and seasoned by Grace, the Mind enlightned, the Heart inclined. The Mind is enlightned by the Knowledg of God’s Will, and the Heart inclined that we may delight to do his Will, it is suited thereunto. Therefore the New Creature doth both serve to direct us, and so perform∣eth the Office of a Guide and Leader to the Godly in all their Actions, so far in Religion as God’s Glory is concerned, and also to move and excite us to that which is Good. For the Spirit is willing, though the Flesh is Weak. Mat. 26:41.

2. By its Uses and Ends. None of God’s Gifts are given in vain. The new Nature is the choicest Talent that the Sons of Men are intrusted withal. Therefore it hath its Use and End, which is to fit us for God and Heaven.

(1.) It disposeth the Soul to a sincere Obedience to God, as an inherent Principle. Eph. 4:24. It is created after God in Righteousness and true Holiness, as suiting us to these things. So the Spirit is promised to enable us to walk in God’s ways. Ezek. 36:27. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my Statutes, and ye shall keep my Iudgments and do them. It helps us to avoid Sin. 1 Joh. 3:9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit Sin, for his Seed remaineth in him, and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. They that give back, can∣not yeild to those Sins with which others are surprized and captivated.

(2.) It prepares us for Heaven. Thither is the tendency of the new Nature, 2 Pet. 1:4 .;  1 Joh. 5:4. Whatsoever is born of God, overcometh the World: it moveth us to mind, love and seek after Heavenly things. This Grace came from Heaven and there it is perfected.

2. There is an other Principle of corrupted Nature re∣maining in us, which is sometimes called Flesh, as before; some∣times the old Man, Eph. 4:22. Sin that dwelleth in us, Rom. 8:17. The Body of Sin, Rom. 6:6. The Law of the Members war∣ring against the Law of the Mind, Rom. 7:23.

By this Principle they are inclined to that which is evil. This Principle also may be known,

• 1. By the manner how it was derived to us.
• 2. By its Tendency and Operations.

(1.) The manner how it was derived to us, from Adam in his Apostacy, and as faln from his chief Good and last End. Ioh. 3:6. When Man fell from God, he fell to himself. The Temptation was, Ye shall be as Gods, Gen. 3:5. He would set up Self as a God. And what was that Self which Man sought to idolize, but himself rather considered as a Body than as a Soul? And therefore when God sought to reduce Man, where lay the difficulty? that Text will inform you, Gen. 6:3. My Spirit shall not always strive with Man, for that he is also Flesh; that is, sunk or lost in Flesh, altogether wedded to the Inte∣rests of the bodily Life.

(2.) By its Tendency and Influence, it prompts us to do those things which are most acceptable to Sense, or agreeable to our worldly and carnal Ends. The Flesh operateth seve∣ral ways, according to Mens callings, occasions or constitu∣tions, Isa. 53:6. 1 joh. 2:16. As every Soil beareth such Weeds as are most suitable to the Nature and Quality of the Ground: so some are enslaved by this, some by that particular Sin, yet all of them alike opposite to God. Differences there are as to the choice of their way wherein they please the Flesh, some in a more gross, some in a more cleanly manner, yet they all walk in the Lust of the Flesh, following inbred Cor∣ruption as their Guide, or obey it either in a way of World∣liness, Ambition or Sensuality. Some ways are more blame∣less before the World, because they less deserve a Worldly In∣terest; some are so prodigiously wicked, that they cause a Hor∣ror, even in Mankind though degenerated. Now after Conversion, some of our former Sins cripple us, and we halt  of the old Maim still; and it is not enough to stop one gap, while corruption runneth out at many more, but we must make Conscience of not fulfilling the Lusts of the Flesh in any kind. Well now, I have shewed you the two Principles which are in a Christian, That we may have a Sence of our imbecil∣lity, and that we are but regenerated in part.

II. I will prove to you that there is a Liberty in a Christian of walking according to each Principle, either the Spirit or Flesh.

1. That the Christian hath Liberty of walking according to the Spirit, is out of question: for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty, 2 Cor. 3:17. Surely the Spirit of Christ can free us, and doth free us from the bondage of Corruption. Rom. 8:2. The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ hath freed me from the Law of Sin and Death; otherwise there would be no distinction between Nature and Grace. If we should be still shackled and manacled by our Lusts, and be as unable to pur∣sue our last End as we were before; if there were no inclinati∣on to God and Heavenly things, what have they gotten by Grace? and therefore though we are still weak, yet we have the gift of the Spirit to free us from Sin. The Force and Ef∣ficacy of the new Nature appeareth in three things, Scire, Velle, Posse; in knowing our Duty, and willing and purpo∣sing, and doing our Duty: suitable to the three Faculties of Man, his Understanding, Will, and vital Power. So the Spi∣rit received from Christ, 2 Tim. 1:7. is a Spirit of Power, Love, and a sound Mind.

(1.) For Scire. The new Nature partly consists in the inter∣nal Light of the Mind, by which we understand the things of God revealed in the Scriptures concerning our Duties and Priviledges: and so the Unction is said to teach us all things. 1 Joh. 2;20. That is, all things which belong to our neces∣sary Duty and Happiness. God’s Children in necessary things  have a good Understanding; or, as it is said, Isa. 11. 3. They are quick of Understanding in the fear of the Lord. By this it doth warn us of our danger, mind us of ourduty upon all occasions.

(2.) For Velle, To be willing. The force of the new Crea∣ture lieth in the love of God: for we are never converted to God till he hath our Hearts, till we love him with all our Soul, with all our Might and Strength, and hate what is contrary to him. Psal. 17:10. Ye that love the Lord, hate evil. Now surely they that love God and hate evil, are at liberty more than others to serve and please God, and avoid Sin. Hate Sin once, and it hath little Power over you.

(3.) For Posse, or the active Power. The wonder is rather how he can sin deliberately, voluntarily, than how he cannot sin. 1 Ioh. 3:9. and for doing good, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Phil. 2:13. I can do all things. Eph. 2:10. A Spiritual Man is prepared for every good work.

2. The Assistant Power which accompanieth the new Creature in all his Actions, doth certainly give him a great ad∣vantage of Liberty to know, will; and do things pleasing un∣to God. As he doth first convert us unto God, and quicken us when we are dead in Trespasses and Sins; so after Conver∣sion, when the Principles of a new Life are put into us, he still helpeth us: and as all Creatures depend upon God in esse con∣servari & operari, Acts 17:28. So doth the new Creature de∣pend on the Spirit, he leadeth and guideth all the Children of God, to their Everlasting Estate. Rom. 8:14. He assists the Will, and the vital Power, Phil. 2:13. Otherwise we may complain with Paul. Rom. 7:18. For to Will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good, I find not. There may be a Will or an Inclination, but it can be brought into no Effect. He cleareth the Mind, which otherwise would be blinded by Temptations, excites the Will, which otherwise would be blunted with oppositions, assists the vital Power,  which else would be obstructed and impeded from producing its Effects.

2dly. That a Christian hath a Liberty or Power of walk∣ing according to the Flesh. The opposite Principle, though it be broken so far that it is not in habitual predominancy, yet doth too often prevail over us; otherwise it were im∣possible to sin, or to be unjust, unmerciful, unmindful of God and heavenly things, unchast, intemperate or licentious in our Actions; and all the Admonitions and Exhortations of the Word to keep the Regenerate from yeilding to the Enticements of the Flesh, would be in vain, if they could not possibly yeild to them. In Heaven indeed there need no Disswasions from Sin, because the glorified Saints are above all possibility of sinning, there is no Devil to tempt, nor World to entice, nor Flesh to incline them to be seduced by those Temptations: but Earth is not Heaven. Here mortifi∣ed Lusts may awaken, and recover Strength by a Temptati∣on: But more distinctly these Arguments shew it.

1. That though the Inclination be to God and Heaven, which is the Fruit of Saving-Grace, yet the Acts of it are vo∣luntary. Grace is a real active working Thing; but it doth not work necessarily, as Fire burneth; it must be excited and stirred up, both by the Spirit of God, who worketh in us both to will and to do, Phil. 2:13. and by our selves. We must 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 2 Tim. 1:6. We must still be blowing up this holy Fire, as the Priest did the Fire of the Altar to keep it burning; and its Motions must be hearkned to, cherished, and complied withal, if we would keep the carnal Part un∣der, and prevent it from breaking out into shameful Acts. But as we grow remiss or careless in our Duty, Sin acquireth and prevaileth over us.

2. The Flesh which remaineth in us is importunate to be pleased; and though it be not superior in the Soul, yet it hath a great deal of Strength, that still we need, even to the  very last, to keep watching and striving, and must resolve to be deaf to its Entreaties and Sollicitations. 1 Pet. 1:14. Not fashioning your selves to the former Lusts of your Ignorance, or accommodating your selves to please the Flesh; that is, they must not cast their Conversations into a carnal Mould, nor suffer their Choice and Actions to be directed and governed by the Influence of the Flesh, or give up themselves to the Satisfaction of their sinful Desires. In short, former Lusts are but in part subdued, our old Love to them may be soon kindled, and the Bias of Corruption gather Strength again, and the Gates of the Senses are always open to let in such Objects as take part with the Flesh, and stir it up. There∣fore we must not imagine that there is no need of Diligence, or Striving and Watching. Holy Paul saw a need of beating down his Body; lest, after he had preached to others, he himself should be a Cast-away, 1 Cor. 9:26. After so many years Ser∣vice in the Cause of Christ, this great Champion was not secure of the Adversary he carried about with him. There is need of Caution to the last, that we do not revert into our old Slavery. The contrary Principle in us still retaineth some Life and Vigor, though much abated; there is not such a Con-naturality and Agreement between the Heart and Sin, as there was before; but yet Sin still dwelleth and work∣eth in us, and we are often foiled by it.

3. That since there is a Liberty, we must be careful to live according to the Operation and Influence of the better Principle; for it lieth upon us as our Duty, though we have the Power from above. There is a double Argument implied in the Text: The one is, A Beneficio; the other, A Periculo: the Profit, the Danger.

1. A Beneficio, from the Benefit accruing to us, We shall not fulfil the Lusts of the Flesh. If they yeeld to the Moti∣ons and Inclinations of the Regenerate Part, they cannot 〈◊〉 the Evil which the Carnal Part would have them; the 〈◊〉 they have will hold them in as a Bridle, and turn their Minds another way. Surely Sin is no such lovely thing, that we should be enamour’d of it; yea, it is such an hateful thing, that we should shun and avoid it by all means possible. Now when you have an Help at hand, not only near you but within you, such as the new Nature, which riseth up in Re∣bukes and Dislikes against Sin; you should take this Advan∣tage, otherwise you offer violence not only to the Law of God, but that new Nature which he hath put into you. There are three Reasons which may be urged here.

(1.) The better Principle, the more it is obeyed, the more it is strengthned; for the Way of the Lord is Strength to the Upright, Prov. 10:29. The Habits of Grace increase by Exercise; and the more Godly and Heavenly we are, the more we shall be so; and the more constantly we act Grace, the more easily and readily we act it, and with greater plea∣sure and delight. This is a sure Rule, that God rewardeth Grace with Grace; one Duty is an Help to another, and the Sweetness and Pleasure groweth upon us every day. It is at first yoking, that the Bullock is most unruly; and Beginners are burthen’d with the toil of Obedience more than grown Christians. Christ’s Yoak groweth more easy every day by the bearing; for the Opposition is more broken, and the Experience of the sweetness and goodness of this way is more increased, Prov. 4:18, 19.

(2.) The Power of inbred Corruption is subdued, and the Lusts of the Flesh weakned: for as the better Principle groweth, the other loseth Strength. Mortification and Vivi∣fication mutually help one another; the more we are dead unto Sin, the more we are alive unto Righteousness: so on the other side, the more we live unto Righteousness, the more we are dead to Sin; for the carnal Life is swallowed up of the spiritual. And therefore to grown Christians Tempta∣tions either make none, or no considerable Impression; they  are alive to God, and therefore dead unto the Flesh, and dead unto the World. It cannot be imagined, that the Flesh should bear sway where there is a strong opposite Principle to check it; and when we suffer it not to be idle and unfruit∣ful, it will obtain its Effect. Sin cannot be our Trade, Cu∣stom and Delight: No; it is complained of as our heaviest Burden, Rom. 7:29. resisted as the greatest Evil, and most opposite, not only to our Duty, but to our very Nature and Temper.

(3.) This walking in the Spirit giveth us an Evidence of our Interest in the Grace of Iustification. Gal. 5:18. And if ye be led by the Spirit, ye are not under the Law. Not to be un∣der the teaching of the Law, as a Rule of Obedience, is im∣possible for a Creature, To challenge such an Exemption in point of Right, is to make our selves Gods. To usurp it in point of Fact, is to make our selves Devils. It must be meant therefore, either of the irritating, or condemning Power of the Law. If of the former, as the Law by the rigid exacting of Obedience doth increase Sin rather than subdue it, and maketh corrupt Nature spurn and rebel against it, so it is the same with the former Motives: but that is a more limited Sence. Not under the Law, may be expounded to be not un∣der the condemning Power of it; and so to be under the Law, is opposed to be under Grace. Rom. 8:1. There is no Condem∣nation to them that are in Christ Iesus. There is a great Pri∣viledge; but what is the Qualification? Who walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit: That is, obey the new Nature.

2. A Periculo, the Danger of not obeying the new Na∣ture, or walking after the Spirit.

(1.) They lose their Advantage, and receive one of God’s Gifts in vain. To receive objective Grace in vain, aggrava∣teth our Guilt, Ioh. 3:19. But to receive subjective Grace in vain, doth more provoke God. Objective Grace is that which is discovered in the Gospel; subjective Grace is that  which is found in the Heart of a Believer, the internal Grace of the holy Spirit renewing the Heart. Now to sin away this Advantage after we are made Partakers of it, doth in∣crease our Guilt; surely therefore if we live in the Spirit, we should walk in the Spirit, Gal 5:25. We should improve God’s best Gifts, or else the work of his Spirit is lost. He lo∣seth nothing but Corn, Wine, and Oil bestowed upon others, but he hath bestowed the Sanctification of the Spirit upon you, shall he lose the Glory of that also?

(2.) The new Nature is exceedingly weakned, and suffers loss, if it be not cherished and obeyed. The Church of Sar∣dis is warned to prevent the dying of gracious Habits. David speaketh as if the Work were to begin anew, and his Restoring were a second Conversion. Psal. 51:10. Create in me a clean Heart, O Lord, and renew a right Spirit within me. The Principle of Grace, being not adher’d to, loseth much of Vigor and Power.

(3.) When these Motions are not obeyed, and this Power is not exercised, God is provoked to withdraw the quickning Grace. Though the Spirit here spoken of is the new Nature, yet the Holy-Ghost is the Super-intendent of it, and doth move, guide, direct, and quicken by it. The new Nature inclineth, but he giveth Strength to its Motions. Now the Spirit withdraweth when this Work is slighted, and we wilfully run into Sin. Psal. 51:11. Take not thy holy Spi∣rit from me.

(4.) There is another Mischief; his sanctifying Work is not only obstructed, but his certifying and sealing Work is obscured, and so our Day is turned into Night. Eph. 4:30. Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed to the Day of Redemption.

Use 1. It sheweth what Necessity there is, that we should look after Conversion to God, or a Work of Grace wrought  in us by the holy Spirit; for the Apostle supposeth they had the Spirit. There is no walking without living, for other∣wise our Motions are but the Motions of Puppets, not pro∣ceeding from internal Life, but acted from Springs and En∣gines; no subduing the Flesh, without setting up an oppo∣site Principle. Therefore we must give up our selves to the Holy Spirit, first to be sanctified, then governed by him; first renewed, then guided, ordered and directed by him in all our Actions, and the Flesh dieth away insensibly.

2dly. Being renewed by the Holy-Ghost, that is, having our Minds enlightned, and Hearts inclined, we must obey this Inclination; for Life is not given us that we may have it, but that we may act by it, and do things sutable to that Life which we have. Grace is not a sluggish idle Quality, but is always working and warring on the opposite Principle.

3dly. Though at first we are pester’d and encountred with the Lusts of the Flesh, which divert us from God, and Hea∣venly Things; yet we should not be discouraged by every difficulty: For Difficulties do but inflame a resolved Spirit, as Stirring doth the Fire. And besides, though we do not wholly subdue the Lusts of the Flesh, yet we shall not ac∣complish them, and live in subjection to them, but by de∣grees get power against them.

4thly. The carnal Life is not of one Sort. Some wal∣low in sensual Pleasures, others have Head and Heart alto∣gether taken up with the World and worldly things. Now if God hath put a new Biass upon our Wills and Affections, we must shew it forth by an Heavenly Conver∣sation. For they that mind earthly Things are carnal; and the great Inclination of the new Nature is, to car∣ry us unto God, and the Things of another World; 2 Cor. 5:5.

5thly. They are much to blame, that complain of Sin, and will not take the Course to get rid of it by obey∣ing the Instincts of the Holy-Ghost, or the Motions of the new Nature. The Lord’s Spirit is a free Spirit, Psal. 51:12. And his Truth maketh us free, John 8:32. And we are interessed in this Liberty, when born of the Spi∣rit. Let us be true to our Duty, and we shall bless God for our Liberty, rather than complain of our Bondage. It is Laziness and Cowardise not to improve Grace which was given us for this use.

6thly. How much we are concerned in all Conflicts, especially in those which allow Deliberation to take part with the Spirit, and obey his Motions, rather than to fulfill the Lusts of the Flesh: otherwise, by Consent and upon Deliberation, you are unfaithful to Christ, and your own Souls. Your Business is not to gratify the Flesh, but to crucify it, to over-rule Sense and Ap∣petite, and cherish the Life of Grace, Galat. 5:24. And surely when Conscience hath help to deliberate, it is a greater Evil to resist it, than when hurried by our own Passions.

7thly. It is of great Use and Profit to us, to ob∣serve which Principle decayeth, the Flesh, or the Spi∣rit; for thereby we judge of our Condition, both in or∣der to Mortification and Comfort.

The Increase of the Flesh may be known,

(1.) By your Backwardness to God. Grace is clog∣ged, when you cannot serve Him with Sweetness and De∣light, Rom. 7:18.

(2.) When the Heart groweth careless of Heaven, and your Life and Love is more taken up about things present than to come, Phil. 3:18, 19. The contrary is found when Grace is in vigor, 2 Cor. 4:18. Col. 3:1, 2.

 Secondly, The Prevalency and Increase of the Spirit is known,

(1.) By an humble Contentedness, and Indifferency to Plenty, Pleasures, and Honours. Phil. 4:12. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound; every where and in all things I am instructed, both to be full, and to be hungry; both to abound, and suffer need, Heb. 13:5. Let your Conversation be without Covetousness, and be ye content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

(2.) When your Delight in God, Heaven, and Ho∣liness, is still kept up. Rom. 8:5. For they that are af∣ter the Flesh, do mind the things of the Flesh: but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

(3.) When the Heart is kept in a preparation for the Duties of your heavenly Calling.