An Answer to a Great Number of Blasphemous Cavillations

Now to the second, which I will but only touch, to put you in mind, that in doctrine, ye are not constant: for before the have affirmed,¹ that we did all stand in Adam, before that we did fall. For none (say you) falleth, but he that standeth: If we did all stand, then were we all predestinate to life. And after: As we were all created in one man, that is in Adam,² so were we all created in one estate, that is after the image of God. Of which places it is plain, that ye understand, that in Adam we were created to gods image, in Adam we were elected, and in Adam we were placed in paradise, which you call the blessed life. But here you change your tune, and say: ⟨p. 386⟩He hath made man like to his own image in Christ Jesus, in whom is no damnation. What should be the cause of this your sudden recantation, and alteration of your sentence, I can not well conjecture, except it be this: That because experience doth convict you, that by Adam we are all wounded to death, that therefore you would all should receive life by Christ Jesus. And that doth your master affirm in bold, and evident words, saying: This God will all men to be saved, and that none shall perish: and therefore hath he sent his Son, into the earth whose justice should superabound, where so ever sin hath abounded. This doth your master boldly affirm (because he wrote to his practised soldiers) that which ye do in dark words persuade. But how vain be both your persuasions, shall shortly appear, by examining the scriptures by you both alleged. He groundeth his error upon the words of Paul plainly falsified, and of John the Evangelist, whom he applieth not rightly. If you think me bold that thus do accuse your master, & great angel, of falsifying gods scriptures, hear my proof, and then judge. He saith wheresoever sin hath abounded there hath grace super abounded. Which words the Apostle doth not speak, but saith: where sin hath abounded: there hath grace more abounded, which proposition is most true, as it is most comfortable. For in Adam, David, Peter, and in all other gods elect children did, and doth sin abound, as the Apostle proveth all to have sinned, and to have need of gods glory. But in them did grace more abound, by the which they were delivered from the multitude of sins.

Now to the second, which I will but onely touch, to put you in minde, that in doctrine, ye are not constant: for before ye haue affirmed,