The new birthThe nevv birth

so neither after, hath any heart to go and confess it, and crave the spirit of repentance; but either lets it pass, or falls to extenuate and excuse it, unless (perhaps) ⟨p. 49⟩it grow desperate, as in Judas. But now the sanctification of the will, doth still get the victory, though it may receive a foil. It will not be put down; it will not be vanquished: yea every latter time of offending, it is more vehement in its opposition then before: at least so far as to make a man appear more vile and abominable to himself. So it brings him into Gods presence again, sooner or later; and makes him say, Lord I have done exceeding foolishly! but ah, do away the sin of thy servant, for thy Sons sake; and Lord through thy grace help me, that hereafter I may offend no more. Thus commonly he doth quickly renew his repentance, and the spirit wins the field of the flesh; though it were somewhat disadvantaged, and made to recoil back at first. For stronger is the spirit that is in us, then that, that is in the world: grace is always in conclusion more available then natural corruption. Yea, when Gods children are most deeply cast (through presumption of sinning) into the swoons of deadness, security, and unconscionableness; yet then still they hear a voice behind them saying, This is the way, walk in it. Then the sanctification of the will shows it self, in many motions and risings against the evils that they do, and by renewing in them the purposes of amendment; though these purposes, perhaps (in case of great prevailing of corruption) be so weak and feeble, that they be not put in practice, any thing thoroughly, till God arise to weaken corruption, and to strengthen grace: and then he weeps, and prays, and recovers himself, resolving to sin so no more, and standing to his resolutions. And so fareth a poor Christian within himself. There is a civill war in his very bosom, ⟨p. 50⟩and his bowels be sometimes little less then rent asunder with intestine discord, betwixt himself, and himself. He is no longer one, but two men, the old, and the new; deadly enemies, dwelling both in one room. He finds two laws in his heart, the law of his flesh, and the law of the spirit; that drawing him captive to sin, and this helping him out of that captivity. He serves God in one part of his will, and sin in the other;

so neither after, hath any heart to goe and confesse it, and craue the spirit of repentance; but either lets it passe, or falles to extenuate and excuse it, vnlesse (perhaps)