QUestion, how may the combat of the spirit against the flesh which is in the regenerate, be distinguisht from that fight which is oft found in the unregenerate when they sinne?

First, Ans. 1. They differ in the causes. For, 1. the reluctation which is in the wicked proceeds either from horrour, and a s[gap]vish feare of punishment, or from some evill disposition, which is easily overcome, but the spirituall combat ariseth from a certaine new nature, which of its owne accord, is carried after those things which are pleasing to God, and doth firmly, and constantly shun, and make opposition against whatsoever is contrary, 2. That fight and reluctation, which is found in wicked men, takes place only, in such grosse sinnes, as either are condemned by the Law of nature, or are wont to be abhor'd by all such as are in any small measure illuminated: but the spirituall combat of the regenerate▪ is exercised against all sin, though it never come to be perfected in any grosse crime.

Secondly, 2. They differ in the objects: For that fight which is found in the wicked, is either betweene the dictate of their Conscience and the inclination of the will, or between some light inclination of the will to some morall good things, and heady affections which rule, and beare sway: but that combate which is in the regenerate, consisteth in the opposition and strife of a certaine new and supernaturall quality of spirituall life, which hath its seat principally in the will, against corrupt inclinations, which dwell indeed within them, but beare no sway over them.

Thirdly, 3. They differ in the effects. For 1. that fight which is in naturall men, may and is wont to consist with a dayly and ordinary course of sinning: But the combate of the spirit, doth alwayes cause that (although there may be many slips, and infirmities) the course, and tenour of a mans life be squared, and ordered according to the will of

God, 1 Iohn 3. 9. 10. 2 That opposition in naturall men, although it may sometime be a cause, why some good is done by them, yet it cannot make a good principle, a good end, and a good manner of working ▪ all which the combate of the spirit against the flesh doth bring along with it, 3. The fight of naturall men, doth ordinarily admit such actions as are for the substance of them evill: but the spirit doth so prevaile for the most part that it admits not a sinne in the fact it selfe although there may be a failing in the degree, and manner of doing, 4. For those evills which the unregenerate man doth commit, this fight that is within him hinders not, but that the sinne may be, in all respects consummated, in regard of the precedent consultation, and purpose, the concomitant pleasure, and delight, and the following obstinacy and impenitency: but the spirit by its combate with the flesh doth abate the power of sinne, partly before the commission, party in the commission, and doth afterward utterly breake it, 5. That reluctation which is in naturall men seekes onely to represse, and keepe sinne under, but the spirit in its combate contends alwayes for the very mortification of sin, and the highest perfection of grace, although before death it be not attainable.