The Christians two chief lessons viz. self-denial, and self-trial. As also the privilege of…The Christians tvvo chiefe lessons viz. selfe-deniall, and selfe-tryall. As also the priviledge of…

Fifth Mark. That where ever this charge is▪ there ⟨p. 269⟩is a great difference in the manner of sinning betwixt him who is changed, and the unregenerate man; so that howsoever both be overtaken with the same sin, yet if a man observe himself in the disposition of his heart before, in, and after sin committed, he shall be able to resolve himself whether he be in the state of nature, or in the state of grace, for the regenerate man is troubled before the sin, as also in the act of sinning, not doing either with a full consent of his will; which so far as it is renewed, resists; so far as it is corrupt, provokes unto evil; neither yet lying in the sin without recovery of himself: whereas the unregenerate man sins with full consent of will; and that because he is all flesh, no spirit: as also sleeps in his sins. Hence be those different voices, the natural man saith, I do the sin I would, and will to do; but the regenerate man saith, he doth the sin he would not, Rom. 7.¹ this mark of the new-borne Christian we find, 1 John 3.9.² He that is of God sinneth not, neither can he sin, because he is borne of God. Sin he must needs; but sin he cannot either as wholly consenting unto it, or lying in it, so as he riseth not by repentance. By this we may grow to a trial of our selves, whether we be borne again, yea, or not.

Fift Mark. That where ever this charge is▪ there ⟨p. 269⟩is a great difference in the manner of sinning betwixt him who is changed, and the unregenerate man; so that howsoever both be overtaken with the same sinne, yet if a man observe himselfe in the d•sposition of his heart before, in, and after sinne committed, he shall be able to resolve himselfe whether he be in the state of nature, or in the state of grace, for the regenerate man is troubled before the sinne, as also in the act of sinning, not doing either with a full consent of his will; which so farre as it is renued, resists; so farre as it is corrupt, provokes unto evill; neither yet lying in the sinne without recovery of himselfe: whereas the unregenerate man sinnes with full consent of will; and that because he is all flesh, no spirit: as also sleepes in his sinnes. Hence bee those different voyces, the naturall man saith, I doe the sinne I would, and will to doe; but the regenerate man saith, he doth the sinne he would not,