But here again there arises an 1Objection out of John; Whosoever is born of God cannot sin, &c. And what is concluded from hence? Therefore he that is truly regenerate in Christ, is free from all pollution of sin. The same fallacy returns again, from that which is said in a certain sense, to that which is said simply. 2If the signification of the word (sinning) be taken simply in this place, for any kind of sin, in this sense it is false, which they assume, by a wrong interpretation of John. But if it be understood of those only, who wilfully give themselves up to work wickedness, or through obstinate malice allow ⟨p. 350⟩themselves in sinning, and resolutely persevere therein; I confess that which they cite out of the Apostle is true of such; to wit, that they are not of God, who sin after this manner, which yet cannot be truly said of the regenerate that are born of God. Therefore the difference should be observed, not only of the things which are committed, but much more of those that commit them: For the same disease of corrupted Nature, and inclination to sin, abides in both, which nevertheless the Regenerate suppress by struggling against it, resisting their vicious affections, as much as in them lies. Howbeit they are not so perfect and entire, but that sometimes they wilfully fall into gross sins; but they do not continue in them, but at length return to God by Repentance: Therefore let us grant that, which neither can be denied, nor ought to be excused; that both the godly and ungodly, by reason of the common Law of Infirmity are liable to sin; but yet they differ very much in their purpose and continuance. Solomon knew this difference, and therefore spake of it, The righteous man, though he fall 3seven times, yet he rises up again; but the wicked fall into mischief.
But here again there arises an 1Objection out of Iohn; Whosoever is born of God cannot sin, &c. And what is concluded from hence? Therefore he that is truly regenerate in Christ, is free from all pollution of sin. The same fallacy returns again, from that which is said in a certain sense, to that which is said simply. 2If the signification of the word (sinning) be taken simply in this place, for any kind of sin, in this sense it is false, which they assume, by a wrong interpretation of Iohn. But if it be understood of those only, who wilfully give themselves up to work wickedness, or through obstinate malice allow ⟨p. 350⟩themselves in sinning, and resolutely persevere therein; I confess that which they cite out of the Apostle is true of such; to wit, that they are not of God, who sin after this manner, which yet cannot be truly said of the regenerate that are born of God. Therefore the difference should be observed, not only of the things which are committed, but much more of those that commit them: For the same disease of corrupted Nature, and inclination to sin, abides in both, which nevertheless the Regenerate suppress by strugling against it, resisting their vicious affections, as much as in them lies. Howbeit they are not so perfect and entire, but that sometimes they wilfully fall into gross sins; but they do not continue in them, but at length return to God by Repentance: Therefore let us grant that, which neither can be denied, nor ought to be excused; that both the godly and ungodly, by reason of the common Law of Infirmity are liable to sin; but yet they differ very much in their purpose and continuance. Solomon knew this difference, and therefore spake of it, The righteous man, though he fall 3seven times, yet he rises up again; but the wicked fall into mischief.
- 11 John 3.1 Iohn 3.
- 2A Fallacy from that which is said in a certain sense to that which is said simply.
- 3Prov. 24. Prov. 24.
