II. In what the imperfection of sanctification more especially discovers itself; and in particular, what we are to understand by the lusting of the flesh against the Spirit. And, III. The consequences hereof, to wit, their being foiled with temptations, falling into many sins, and being hindered in their spiritual services. 1. As to the thing supposed in this answer, that the work of sanctification is imperfect in this life: This must be allowed by all who are not strangers to themselves, as it is said, _There is not a just man upon the earth that doth good and sinneth not_, Eccl. vii. 20. fine gold is not without a mixture of some baser metal, or alloy; even so our best frames of spirit, when we think ourselves nearest heaven, or when we have most communion with God, are not without a tincture of indwelling sin, that is easy to be discerned in us. Whatever grace we exercise, there are some defects attending it, either with respect to the manner of its exerting itself, or the degree thereof; therefore perfection, how desirable soever it be, is a blessing which we cannot, at present, attain to: And if it be thus with us, when at the best, we shall find, that at other times, corrupt nature not only discovers itself, but gives us great interruption and disturbance, so that the work of sanctification seems to be, as it were, at a stand, and we are hereby induced to question the truth and sincerity of our graces; and if, notwithstanding this, we have sufficient ground to conclude, that our hearts are right with God; yet we are obliged to say with the apostle, that we are _carnal, sold under sin_; and that, _when we would do good, evil is present with us_, Rom. vii. 14. compared with 21. which is an undeniable argument of the imperfection of the work of sanctification. The contrary opinion to this is maintained by many who pretend that perfection is attainable in this life; and to give countenance hereunto, they refer to some scriptures, in which persons are characterized as _perfect_ men; and others wherein perfection is represented as a duty incumbent on us; as our Saviour says, _Be ye perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect_, Matt. v. 48. and the apostle, in his valedictory exhortation to the church, advises them to _be perfect_, as well as _of one mind_; as they expected that the God of love and peace should be with them, 2 Cor. xiii. 11.