David Clarkson on true penitents mortifying sin

[Reformed Covenanter]

He that leaves sin, but does not endeavour to subdue it, will be content it should be confined, but not crucified; restrained, but not put to death; will have the fury and rage of it curbed, that it do not break out so openly, but will not starve it; kept under, not rooted out. He that will not avoid the occasions of sin, those that nourish it, have drawn him on to act sin formerly. He that truly repents of drunkenness will avoid that company which has tempted him to it. He that repents of uncleanness, will, as Job, make a covenant with his eyes. He that repents of profaneness in words, will set a watch before his mouth.

He that repents of Sabbath breaking, will so dispose of his affairs before, as he may have no occasion to profane it, to absent himself from the public worship. He that repents of wanderings in prayer, will be watchful against distractions, drive them away. He that turns not from occasions turns not from sin, and so is no true penitent. He that is not diligent in the use of mortifying duties to weaken sin, will not apply that word to his conscience which wounds his sin; casts off searching words, words of reproof and terror, as too sharp, painful corroding plasters for his sore; rather be exasperated against him that speaks them, as one that rails, is too strict.

For the reference, see:

David Clarkson on true penitents mortifying sin

He that leaves sin, but does not endeavour to subdue it, will be content it should be confined, but not crucified; restrained, but not put to death; will have the fury and rage of it curbed, that i…

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[Joshua]

So, we may not claim brokenness and, thereby, we must own that sinfulness is not only in speech, thoughts, & actions, but in the root of our very affections (and all other powers of the soul)!

 

[Reformed Covenanter]

So, we may not claim brokenness and, thereby, we must own that not only sinfulness in speech, thoughts, & actions, but in the root of our very affections (and all other powers of the soul)!

We must repent of our original sin as well as of our actual sin, which is what David did in Psalm 51.