The main principles of Christian religion in a 107 short articles or aphorisms, generally…

Expl. 15. In this A. there are two things remarkable, (1.) That our Parents by sinning lost that state of perfection which they had in Paradise; and (Christ only excepted, whatever some Quakers dream) there was never any man perfectly innocent, or free from sin, since the fall. Now that state of perfection which our first Parents lost (and we in them) did consist; (1.) In their conformity to God, or in having his image stamped upon them, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness. (2.) In their perfect capacity and fitness to enjoy God their Creator. (2dly,) That the sin whereby they fell was direct disobedience, in eating the forbidden fruit (whether an Apple, or whatever else), and that against a particular positive express Precept, thou shalt not eat of it; which sin of theirs was a big-bellied sin, and carried in it, (1.) Pride and Ambition, to be as Gods in the Devils sense, (i. e.) in knowledge, or know as much as God himself. (2.) Ingratitude, for their privilege and liberty to eat of all other trees of the Garden. (3.) Infidelity, not giving that credit and belief to God which he did to Satan. (4.) This forbidden tree was the Seal of the Covenant of life, and ⟨p. 29⟩therefore to eat of it was to tear off the Seal.

Expl. 15. In this A. there are two things remarkable, (1.) That our Parents by sinning lost that state of perfection which they had in Paradise; and (Christ only excepted, whatever some Quakers dream) there was never any man perfectly innocent, or free from sin, since the fall. Now that state of perfection which our first Parents lost (and we in them) did consist; (1.) In their conformity to God, or in having his image stampt upon them, in knowledg, righteousness, and holiness. (2.) In their perfect capacity and fitness to enjoy God their Creator. (2dly,) That the sin whereby they fell was direct disobedience, in eating the forbidden fruit (whether an Apple, or whatever else), and that against a particular positive express Precept, thou shalt not eat of it; which sin of theirs was a big-belly'd sin, and carried in it, (1.) Pride and Ambition, to be as Gods in the Devils sense, (i. e.) in knowledg, or know as much as God himself. (2.) Ingratitude, for their priviledg and liberty to eat of all other trees of the Garden. (3.) Infidelity, not giving that credit and belief to God which he did to Satan. (4.) This forbidden tree was the Seal of the Covenant of life, and ⟨p. 29⟩