A Golden Chain

Nevertheless we must understand, that although we abstain from such heinous practises, yet the very root of such sins, that is, a disposition unto them, is fo••d in us also. Julian the Apostate both living and dying blasphemed Christ• •• rod and Pontius Pilate and the wicked Jews crucified him, and Judas […] ed him. Men use to say that if Christ were now alive, they would not do• so for all the world. But let us better consider of the matter. The same na••••• corruption of heart that was in them, is also in us, we being the children of Adam as well as they: and by the force of this corruption, if Christ were now living on earth, thou wouldest, if like occasion were offered, either do as Judas did in betraying him, or as Pilate did, deliver him to be crucified, or as the soldiers, thrust him through with their spears, or as Julian, pierce him with all manner of blasphemies, if God withheld his graces from thee, and leave thee to thy self. In a word, let men conceive in mind the most notorious trespass that can be, though they do it not, nor intend to do it, and never do it: yet the matter, beginning, and seed thereof is in themselves. This made Jeremiah say,¹ The heart of man is deceitful and wicked above all things, who can know it? It is like a huge sea, the banks whereof can not be seen, nor the bottom searched. In common experience we see it come to pass, that men, protestants to day, to morrow papists; of Christians, heretics; now friends, but presently after foes; this day honest and civill men, the next day cruel murderers. Now what is the cause of this difference; surely the hidden corruption of the heart, that will thrust a man forward to any sin when occasion is offered. This point must be remembered and often thought upon.

Neuertheles we must vnderstand, that although we abstaine from such h•inou• practises, yet the very roote of such sinnes, that is, a disposition vnto them, is fo••d in vs also. Iulian the Apostata both liuing and dying blasphemed Christ• rod and Pontius Pilate and the wicked Iewes crucified him, and Iudas ed him. Men vse to say that if Christ were now aliue, they would not do so for all the world. But let vs better consider of the matter. The same na corruption of heart that was in them, is also in vs, we being the children of Adam as well as they: and by the force of this corruption, if Christ were now liuing on earth, thou wouldest, if like occasion were offered, either doe as Iudas did in betraying him, or as Pilate did, deliuer him to be crucified, or as the soldiers, thrust him through with their speares, or as Iulian, pierce him with all manner of blasphemies, if God withheld his graces from thee, and leaue thee to thy selfe. In a word, let men conceiue in minde the most notorious trespasse that can be, though they doe it not, nor intend to doe it, and neuer doe it: yet the matter, beginning, and seede thereof is in themselues. This made Ieremie say,