DIAL. IIII.
Verse 6. But now ye being deliuered from the law (be be∣ing dead in whom ye were holden,) that ye should serue in new∣nesse of Spirite, and not in the oldnesse of the letter.
VVHat doth this Text set foorth?
The condition of our newe and latter marriage to Christ, whose Spirite is effectuall in the faith∣full to bring foorth fruites to God.
What things consider ye in this second marriage?
Two things: First, the freedome from the Law and also from sinne, our former husband. Secondly, fruitfullness in good workes, by the Spirite of Christ their second husband.
What is it to bee deliuered from the law, and what* 1.1 meaneth the Apostle, by him that is dead?
Heere is meant deliuerance from it, as it is the strength and vigor of sinne to irritate and enrage it, and not as it is the rule of a righteous life: also (by him that is dead,) is meant sinne, which in the regenerate is saide to be dead, though sinne still liue in them; as wee vse to say of one stucke to death, that hee is dead because hee cannot recouer: or of one that hath his braine pan bro∣ken that hee cannot liue. So is sinne dead, it can ne∣uer recouer that strength and power it was wont to haue before new birth.
Why doeye rather thinke the Apostle meanes sinne by that which is dead, then the Law?
Because it doth not agree with the nature of the