Man, by creation was of one constant, uniform frame and tenour of spirit, held one straight and even course; not one thought or faculty rebelled or disordered; his mind had a perfect illumination to understand and know the will of God, his will a perfect compliance therewith; his sensitive appetite, and other inferior powers, stood in a most obedient subordination. Man, by degeneration (sin), is become a most disordered and rebellious creature, contesting with, and opposing his Maker, as the first cause, by self-dependence; as the chiefest good, by self-love; as the highest Lord, by self-will; and as the last end, by self-seeking; and is so quiet disordered, and all his acts irregular: his illuminated understanding is clouded with ignorance, his complying will full of rebellion and stubbornness; his subordinate powers, casting off the dominion and government of the superior faculties. But by regeneration, this disordered soul set aright again: sanctification being the rectifying and due framing, or as the scripture phrases it, the renovation of the soul after the image of God, Ephesians.4:24. in which self-dependence is removed by faith; self-love by the love of God; self will by subjection and obedience to the will of God; and self-seeking by self-denial. The darkened understanding is again illuminated, Ephesians.1:18. the refractory will sweetly subdued, Psalm.110:3. the rebellious appetite, or concupiscence gradually conquered, Romans. 5:7.(for many). And thus the soul which sin had universally depraved is again by grace restored and rectified. [The Works Of John Flavel, vol.5,pg.425-426]
Posted on: Mon, 24 Mar 2014 12:28:41 +0000
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