The Institution of Christian Religion

And to the end that these things be not spoken of a thing uncertain §8and unknown, let us define Original sin. But yet I mean not to examine all the definitions that are made by writers, but I will bring forth one only, which I think to be most agreeable with trueth. Original sin therefore seemeth to be the inheritably descending perverseness and corruption of our nature, poured abroad into all the parts of the soul, which first maketh us guilty of the wrath of God, and then also bringeth forth these works in us which the Scripture calleth the works of the flesh: and that is it properly that Paul oftentimes calleth Sin.¹ And ⟨image 84⟩these works that arise out of it, as are adulteries, fornications, thefts▪ hatreds, murders▪ banquetings, after the same manner he calleth the fruits of sin albeit they are likewise called sins both commonly in the Scripture and also by the same Paul him self. Therefore these two things are distinctly to be noted: that is, that being so in all parts of our nature corrupted and perverted, we are now even for such corruption only holden worthily damned and convicted before God, to whom is nothing acceptable but righteousness, innocency and pureness. And yet is not that bond in respect of an others fault. For where it is said, that by the sin of Adam we are made subject to the judgement of God, it is not so to be taken, as if we innocent and undeserving did bear the blame of his fault. But because by his offending we are all clothed with the curse, therefore it is said that he hath bound us. Nevertheless, from him not the punishment only came upon us, but also the infection distilled from him, abideth in us, to the which the punishment is justly due. Wherefore how so ever Augustine doeth oftentimes call it an others sin, (to show the more plainly, that it is conveyed into us by propagation) yet doeth he also affirm withal that it is proper to every one.² And the Apostle him self expressly witnesseth, that therefore death came upon all men, because all men have sinned, and are wrapped in Original sin, and defiled with the spots thereof. And therefore the very infants themselves, while they bring with them their own damnation from their mothers womb, are bound, not by an others, but by their own fault.