The sum of sacred divinity briefly & methodically propoundedThe summe of sacred diuinitie briefly & methodically propounded

I mean not that this Infancy is the first act of our Regeneration: for there be some that are borne (in respect of others) strong in Christ, and Giants the first day, as was the Apostle Paul. But I mean the whole progress also, and continuance all our life, even in the best: And so doth the Apostle, 1. Cor. 13. 11. bring the similitude of child-hood and mans estate, not to note the beginning and proceeding in Christianity, but to set forth the excellency in heaven, above that which we attain unto being here.

I meane not that this Infancie is the first act of our Regeneration: for there be some that are borne (in respect of others) strong in Christ, and Giants the first day, as was the Apostle Paul. But I meane the whole progresse also, and continuance all our life, euen in the best: And so doth the Apostle, 1. Cor. 13. 11. bring the similitude of childe-hood and mans estate, not to note the beginning and proceeding in Christianitie, but to set forth the excellencie in heauen, aboue that which we attaine vnto being here.

To this estate, these four things are proper: First, In every man Regenerate, there be, as it were, two men divided; the old, and the new man. The old man, called also the outward man, the flesh the members, (for we carry about us a whole body of sin) is so much of us whatsoever it be, within or without, that is natural and left yet unregenerate. The new man, called also the inner man, the Spirit, the mind, is our part Regenerate and borne again, wherein being freed from sin, we begin to bring forth fruits to God. And that both these are in one and the same man, we are taught, Math. 26. 41. The Spirit is ready, but the flesh is weak. 1. Cor. ⟨p. 438⟩