7 Jam. 3.2. In many things we sin all. True. But Gods children sins not in all things as thou doest, without either bridling their lusts, or mortifying their corruptions. And though the relics of sin, remains in the dearest children of God, that they had need daily to cry, Our Father which art in heaven, forgive us our trespasses. Yet in the New eTestament none ⟨p. 229⟩are properly called Sinners, 2but the unregenerate. But the Regenerate, in respect of their zealous endeavour to serve God in unfeigned holiness, are every where called Saints. Insomuch that Saint John saith,3 that whosoever is borne of God sinneth not. That is, liveth not in wilful filthiness, suffering sin to reign in him as thou doest. Deceive not thy self with the name of a Christian: whosoever liveth in any customary gross sin, he liveth not in the state of Grace. Let therefore, saith Paul, 4every one that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity. The Regenerate sin, but of frailty, they repent, and God doth pardon: therefore they sin ⟨p. 230⟩not to death. The Reprobate sin maliciously, wilfully, and delight therein so that by their good will sin shall leave them before they will leave it.5 They will not repent, and God will not pardon. Therefore their sins are mortal, saith Saint John: Or rather immortal, 6as saith S. Paul, Rom. 2.5. It is no excuse therefore to say we are all sinners. True Christians thou seest are all Saints.
7 Iam. 3.2. In many things we sinne all. True. But Gods children sinnes not in all things as thou doest, without either bridling their lusts, or mortifying their corruptions. And though the reliques of sinne, remaines in the dearest children of God, that they had neede dayly to cry, Our Father which art in heauen, forgiue vs our trespasses. Yet in the New eTestament none ⟨p. 229⟩are properly called Sinners, 2but the vnregenerate. But the Regenerate, in respect of their zealous endeuour to serue God in vnfained holinesse, are euery where called Saints. Insomuch that Saint Iohn saith,3 that whosoeuer is borne of God sinneth not. That is, liueth not in wilfull filthinesse, suffring sinne to raigne in him as thou doest. Deceiue not thy selfe with the name of a Christian: vvhosoeuer liueth in any custommary grosse sinne, he liueth not in the state of Grace. Let therefore, saith Paul, 4euery one that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity. The Regenerate sinne, but of frailty, they repent, and God doth pardon: therefore they sinne ⟨p. 230⟩not to death. The Reprobate sinne maliciously, wilfully, and delight therin so that by their good will sinne shall leaue them before they will leaue it.5 They will not repent, and God will not pardon. Therefore their sinnes are mortall, saith Saint Iohn: Or rather immortall, 6as saith S. Paul, Rom. 2.5. It is no excuse therefore to say wee are all sinners. True Christians thou seest are all Saints.
- eGal. 2.15.
- 2Rom. 5.8. Joh. 9.31.Rom. 5.8. Ioh. 9.31.
- 31 Joh. 3.9. 1 Joh. 5.18.1 Ioh. 3.9. 1 Ioh. 5.18.
- 42 Tim. 2.19.
- 51 Joh. 5.16.1 Ioh. 5.16.
- 6Ibid.
