A day-starre for darke-wandring soules shewing the light, by a Christian controuersie: or briefely and plainely setting forth the mysterie of our saluation. Diuided into principles, obiections, and answeres. By Richard Niccolls, th'elder, of the Inner Temple London, Gent. deceased. Published for the generall benefit of all those who heartily, and with a true path desire their owne saluation: by I.C.

Answere.

The difference betwixt them is very great; for sinne doth onely dwell in the regenerate person against his will, but it reigneth not, nor is im∣puted to him, because hee is iusti∣fied and clensed from his sinnes by faith in CHRIST I•…•…VS: and in this sense in the Scriptures the

regenerate man is sometime said to sinne, and sometime is said not to sinne. The regenerate man sinneth, in regard that sinne dwelleth in him, though it raigne not in him. And he sinneth not, because sinne is not imputed vnto him, but hee is notified and clensed from his sinne by the blood of Christ Iesus. But in the vnregenerate man sin raigneth with his will and consent: and his sinnes are imputed vnto him, be∣cause hee want•…•…th faith to iustifie him, and to cleere him from his sinnes by the rightcousnesse of Ie∣sus Christ.

Also, the regenerate man may say with Saint Paul, I doe not the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I would: but the vnregenerate man contrariwise saith, I •…•…not so much euill as I would: which how∣soeuer * 1.1 hee speaketh it not in ex∣presse words, yet hee hath it in his heart, as may appeare in coue∣tous, ambitious, and contentious persons, and in Thecues, Fornica∣tors,

Drunkards, and such like, whose lusts are neuer satisfied: moreouer, whereas the vnregene∣rate man waxeth euery day vvorse and worse; the regenerate man contrariwise maketh proceedings in goodnesse. In vvhich (though they be small) it doth appeare that sinne doth not raigne in him, but in some measure is ouercome by him, and in him is in some manner mortified.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Rom. 7. 10.