7. James •. 2. In many things we sin all: True, but God's Children sin not in all things, as thou dost, without either bridling their lusts or mortifying their corruptions; and though the relics of sin remain in the dearest children of God, that they had need daily to cry, Our Father which art ⟨p. 107⟩in heaven, forgive us our trespasses; yet* in the New Testament, none are properly called Sinners, but the unregenerate; but the Regenerate in respect of their Zealous endeavour to serve God in unfeigned holiness are every where called Saints: Insomuch that St. John saith,2 that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; 3that is, liveth not in wilful filthiness, suffering sin to reign in him, as thou dost. 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 St. Paul) every one that nameth 4the name of Christ depart from iniquity. The regenerate sin but upon frailty; they repent, and God doth pardon; therefore they† sin not to death. The Reprobate sin maliciously, sinfully, and delight there in, so that by their good will, sin shall leave them before they leave it. They will not repent, and God will not pardon. Therefore their sins are mortal (saith St. John) or rather immortal,6 as saith St. Paul, Rom. 2. 5. It is no excuse therefore to say, we are all sinners. True Christians, thou seest, are all Saints.
7. James •. 2. In many things we sin all: True, but God's Children sin not in all things, as thou dost, without either bridling their lusts or mortifying their corruptions; and though the relicks of sin remain in the dearest children of God, that they had need daily to cry, Our Father which art ⟨p. 107⟩in heaven, forgive us our trespasses; yet* in the New Testament, none are properly called Sinners, but the unregenerate; but the Regenerate in respect of their Zealous endeavour to serve God in unfeigned holiness are every where called Saints: Insomuch that St. John saith,2 that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; 3that is, liveth not in wilful filthiness, suffering sin to reign in him, as thou dost. 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 St. Paul) every one that nameth 4the name of Christ depart from iniquity. The regenerate sin but upon •railty; they repent, and God doth pardon; therefore they† sin not to death. The Reprobate sin maliciously, sinfully, and delight there in, so that by their good will, sin shall leave them before they leave it. They will not repent, and God will not pardon. Therefore their sins are mortal (saith St. John) or rather immortal,6 as saith St. Paul, Rom. 2. 5. It is no excuse therefore to say, we are all sinners. True Christians, thou seest, are all Saints.
- *Gal. 1. 15. Rom. 5. 8. John 9. •1.
- 21 John • 9.
- 31 John 5. 18
- 42 Tim. 2. 19.
- †1 John 5. 16.
- 6Ibid.
