Overcoming Sin and Temptation (Chapter 14)

Is it any wonder that J I Packer said that if he had not read this book “The Mortification of Sin” before John Owen’s book, “Indwelling Sin in the Believer” he would have went into despair. For the latter work is an even more thorough analysis of the windings and turnings of a deceitful heart. But one might ask if chapter 14 should have come before the other chapters such as self deception chapter 13. Maybe not. But my point is, it appears that the medicine should be in the mind and well known before one looks with too scrupulous an eye at the cancer within. I suppose this because it appears to me that many who started to read this book and comment on it in the early chapters bailed out before the 14th chapter. Is it because they thought there was a lack of balance? I don’t know. I was watching a video yesterday from E.R. - LINK BELOW, and for being a Hollywood show, the actor sure gives an excellent portrayal of what a soul is like who is riddled with guilt, and has no gospel remedy - and a chaplain who herself knows little of the Saviour for sinners.

http://thoughtsonthewayblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/clip-from-er.html

Though it might not be fit for a blog discussion, there is hardly a Puritan book that is so moving as Richard Baxter’s The Reformed Pastor. That is why I named my website after it. www.thereformedpastor.com. Here is an example of some of the most moving language in Puritan literature. - “If we did but know what it is for the soul to pass out of the flesh, to go before a righteous God, and enter on a state of unchangeable joy or torment, and with what amazing thoughts dying men apprehend these things, how differently would such matters be discoursed of ! Oh the gravity, the seriousness, the incessant diligence these things require! I know not what others think of them; but for my own part, I am ashamed of my stupidity, and wonder at myself that I deal no more with my own and other men’s souls, as becomes one that looks for the great day of the Lord ; — that I can leave room for almost any other thoughts or words, and that such astonishing matters do not wholly take me up! I seldom, come out of the pulpit, but my conscience smites me that I have been no more serious and fervent. It accuses me not so much for want of elegance or human ornaments, nor for letting fall an unhandsome word; but it asks me—” How couldest thou speak of everlasting life and death with such a heart? How couldest thou preach about heaven and hell in so careless and sleepy a manner? Dost thou believe what thou sayeft? Art thou in earnest or in jest? How canst thou tell people that sin is so evil a thing, and that its consequences are so dreadful, without being more affected with it? Shouldest thou not weep over sinners, even till thy tears interrupt thy words? Shouldst thou not ’ cry aloud, ’ and show them their transgressions,’ and shouldst thou not entreat them to repent and believe, with the utmost importunity?”—Such is the peal that conscience rings in my ears, and yet my drowsy soul will not be awakened. What a dreadful thing is a senseless, hardened heart! Lord save us from the plague of infidelity, and hardness of heart! or how shall we be fit instruments of saving others from it” - Richard Baxter 1615-1691

Thomas - Jenison, MI

At this time I am narrating the book, “The Bruise Reed” by the Puritan Richard Sibbes 1577-1635 - for Sermon Audio, which would be an excellent meditation after a book such as “The Mortification of Sin” Amazon.com has it for $3.60 http://www.amazon.com/The-Bruised-Reed/dp/B000FC2QPU/ref=edoek

Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones, wrote of The Bruised Reed, saying it was a “balm to my soul at a period in my life when I was overworked and badly overtired, and therefore subject in an unusual manner to the onslaughts of the devil…The Bruised Reed…quietened, soothed, comforted, encouraged and healed me.”