The pattern of perfection exhibited in Gods image on AdamThe paterne of perfection exhibited in Gods image on Adam

2. Had not Adam had a freedom to good, he could not have been punished for sin: for he that constrains ⟨p. 136⟩another to do an evil action, is to be condemned. If a man should compel another to strike a man, he that forced him ought to be blamed: a man cannot be blamed for what he cannot avoid. Now that Adams sin might be punished, and his service accepted, it was necessary he should have ability to choose good, and refuse evil; wherefore the fault was Adams in falling, and not Gods.

2. Had not Adam had a freedome to good, he could not have beene punished for sinne: for he that constraines ⟨p. 136⟩another to do an evill action, is to be condemned. If a man should compell another to strike a man, hee that forced him ought to be blamed: a man cannot be blamed for what he cannot avoid. Now that Adams sinne might bee punished, and his service accepted, it was necessary hee should have ability to chuse good, and refuse evill; wherefore the fault was Adams in falling, and not Gods.

¹Use 1. Hence. we learn to justify the Lord, and let the fault of Adam lye upon himself and his posterity […] own fault. The Lord […] Adam ability to do wh•• he should; if therefore he did not what he might, he is to be condemned, the Lord to be justified. It is in vain for thee ⟨p. 137⟩to plead, that thou canst not do thy duty: The Lord knows I carry a body of death about me: I confess it is so, but whose fault is it? Esa. 3.11. Say unto the wicked, it shall go evil with him, for he shall receive the reward of his own hands. Your own hands framed your own ruin.