Andrew Gray (Works, p. 331):
Believe me, this is most certain, that it is easier to mortify your lusts, than to satisfy them: for we conceive, that one who is spending his precious time in the satisfying of his lusts, doth spend his time betwixt those three: 1st, The impatiency of his lusts, which still cry out, Give, give. 2dly, The impotency and weakness of the means he hath to satisfy such lusts. And, 3dly, The conviction of the impossibility of satisfying the insatiable desires, and infinite lusts of sin. Anxiety and sorrow are the constant attendants of a man that is not studying to crucify his lusts and affections: and certainly, if we may allude to that word, Jer. 48:10, Cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood, he is cursed that doth not endeavour to crucify and bring low the seven abominations of his heart, that we may, with Napthali and Zebulun, jeopard our lives unto death in the highest places of the field. that there might be none of our lusts to cry out within us, The bitterness of death is past, but may endeavour to cut them in pieces before the Lord. We conceive this work of mortification is the most pleasant exercise of a Christian, if not in its own nature, yet in its fruits and effects.
