I will not now enter upon the Disputes about that question, what is the Inner-man, whether Christ himselfe, as some say, or an Image or likenesse of Christ Jesus, as others say. That is a Candle or Torch to me, which is written Ephes. 3. That Christ may dwell in your Hearts by faith: unto which agrees that of the first of John: As many as received him, that is received Christ Jesus into the house of their hearts to dwell there by believing and obeying of him, they are borne of the Spirit, and are the Sons of God.
What the inner-man is.
Subject to many distempers.
This Inner man, this new-man (which after God is created in holinesse and righteousnesse) I say, this Inner-man hath his tempers and distempers, his health and sicknesse, as well as this outward-man this body of Clay.
Hence we hear so often mentioned, the renewing of the inward-man, the growing and increasing of Faith and Love, and other breathings of Gods Spirit: the losse (that is in a measure,) of the Ephesians first love. Hence the many falls of the Lords best Servants, recorded in Scripture, and the sleep of the Spouse of Christ Jesus, although her heart wake in the truth of marriage-love, which can never wholly dye in her and be extinguished.
A threefold person in Gods children
The holy Scripture mentioneth a three-fold person in all that are borne againe, First, the body of Flesh and clay, this outward naturall being, which must be dissolved and dye, then rise againe to Glory.
The second is the body of corruption, or old man, which being deadly wounded by the Son of God alreadie in all that are his, shall shortly give up the ghost, and rot, and never rise again.
The third is this holy, heavenly inner man, of whose health and daily renewing I now discourse, who is born of an immortall seed, and therefore can no more die then Christ himself: Rom. 6.
A spirituall cheerfull temper.