A treatise of original sin ... proving that it is

SECT. IV.

Fourthly, It is not enough to know this sin in an orthodox speculative manner, to acknowledge it so, But we are also in a practical, experimental manner to feel and bewail the power and burden of it. And happily this may be part of Paul's meaning, when he saith, He did not know lust to be sin, that is, not so clearly, so fully, so experimentally, as now he did since the grace of God had both enlightened and sanctified him; How many have with great orthodoxy maintained this Truth against Pelagians, and all the enemies of Gods grace shrouding themselves under the praise of nature, but it is rare to see those that do not only theoretically believe it, but practically walk with broken and contrite hearts under it. Examine then thy self, Doest thou believe this is Gods Truth, that thou camest into the world all over polluted? Doest thou think that thou as well as any other, though never so civil and unblameable in respect of actual sins, art by nature a child of the Devil, prepared fuel for the eternal flames of Hell? And doest thou not only believe this to be thy particular case, but withal thou art so affected with an holy fear and trembling, thou hast no quietness or rest in thy soul, because of it, then thou art come to a true and right knowledge of it? For the end of our preaching on this Subject, is not only to establish your minds in this Truth against all errors therein, but also to mollify and soften your hearts, that you may all your life time loath your self, and advance the fullness of Christ: And seeing that natural light is dim and confused in this matter, keep close to the Word, and not only so, but implore the Spirit of God, that in and through the Word, this Truth may enter like a two-edged sword into thy bowels, knowing that without this foundation laid, there cannot be any esteem of Christ.

FOurthly, It is not enough to know this sinne in an orthodox speculative manner, to acknowledge it so, But we are also in a practical, experimental manner to feel and bewail the power and burden of it. And happily this may be part of Paul's meaning, when he saith, He did not know lust to be sinne, that is, not so clearly, so fully, so experimentally, as now he did since the grace of God had both enlightned and sanctified him; How many have with great orthodoxy maintained this Truth against Pelagians, and all the enemies of Gods grace shrouding themselves under the praise of nature, but it is rare to see those that do not onely theoretically believe it, but practically walk with broken and contrite hearts under it. Examine then thy self, Doest thou believe this is Gods Truth, that thou camest into the world all over polluted? Doest thou think that thou as well as any other, though never so civil and unblameable in respect of actual sinnes, art by nature a child of the Devil, prepared fuel for the eternal flames of Hell? And doest thou not onely believe this to be thy particular case, but withall thou art so affected with an holy fear and trembling, thou hast no quietnesse or rest in thy soul, because of it, then thou art come to a true and right knowledge of it? For the end of our preaching on this Subject, is not onely to establish your minds in this Truth against all errours therein, but also to mollifie and soften your hearts, that you may all your life time loath your self, and advance the fulnesse of Christ: And seeing that natural light is dimme and confused in this matter, keep close to the Word, and not only so, but implore the Spirit of God, that in and through the Word, this Truth may enter like a two-edged sword into thy bowels, knowing that without this foundation laid, there cannot be any esteem of Christ.