A treatise of original sin ... proving that it is

Secondly, We may take notice of our Saviours wisdom, that pitcheth upon this Subject rather than another to treat upon; for herein Nicodemus did grossly err, Nicodemus had learning enough, knew the Law of God and the Scriptures, but was wholly ignorant of Regeneration.

Secondly, We may take notice of our Saviours wisdom, that pitcheth upon this Subject rather than another to treat upon; for herein Nicodemus did grosly erre, Nicodemus had learning enough, knew the Law of God and the Scriptures, but was wholly ignorant of Regeneration.

Thirdly, We therefore see, That the work of Regeneration is a mystery, even to wise and learned men; Twice or thrice, saith that great Doctor, How can this be? What poor and childish Objections doth he make against it, and all, because this is a thing spiritually discerned?

Lastly, The great cause why Nicodemus did not know what Regeneration was, or see the necessary of it, was, Because of his blindness about original sin: Had he believed how carnal and sinful every one was born, he would presently have bewailed his condition, and said, O Lord, it is true, I am all over polluted, I find nothing of thy Spirit in me, I am all over flesh, and do therefore need thy Spirit to regenerate and quicken me! But this was the root of his destruction, ⟨p. 137⟩from hence did arise that gross miscarriage about a new-birth, because was so senseless and unacquainted with the pollution he was born in.

Lastly, The great cause why Nicodemus did not know what Regeneration was, or see the necessary of it, was, Because of his blindnesse about original sinne: Had he believed how carnal and sinfull every one was born, he would presently have bewailed his condition, and said, O Lord, it is true, I am all over polluted, I find nothing of thy Spirit in me, I am all over flesh, and do therefore need thy Spirit to regenerate and quicken me! But this was the root of his destruction,