Dead or Wounded by Henry Law
When grace subdues the heart A wondrous change ensues Earth
knows no greater change, but words are too weak to picture
it. Here is a feeble outline of the new creation. Light shines,
where once night brooded. Satan's chains no more enslave.
The prison bars are broken. Holy principles direct. Holy
ends are sought. Holy means are used. Life is
now life indeed, for the man lives for God. But is sin therefore
dead? Indeed it is wounded, but it
retains power to sting. Sometimes it revives in fearful
strength. Though crippled, it strives to
conquer. It may seem for a season to regain its hold and win brief
victory. It may roll the new man in the
mire, but it cannot keep him down. Sin's real dominion is
gone. Its existence only lingers until
full escape from this world delivers wholly from its touch. Where
is the saint who is not conscious that the foe still lives? Witness
the secret prayers of the man of God. What bitter humblings! What smitings of the bosom! What
sensitive laments! What writhing under the motions
of corruption's filth! Tears, sobs and cries are frequent. When I would do good, evil is
present with me. O wretched man that I am, who
shall deliver me from the body of this death? Faithful scripture
warns of this constant conflict. It tells that the heavenward
march is over treacherous roads, where many pilgrims slip and
stumble. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify
the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is
contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the
flesh. They are in conflict with each other, to keep you from
doing the things you want to do. Galatians chapter 5 verses
16 through 17