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

Secondly, This may be further enlarged by a consectary from the former; ⟨p. 177⟩will not this abundantly declare we are all over sinful, Because heavenly things are not such objects of delight and pleasure to us, as carnal and worldly things are. This is a palpable demonstration of our wretched pollution, That we cannot feel any sweetness, any pleasure, or joy in those things which immediately concern God: Adam in his state of integrity, was like Jacob's ladder, the foot whereof was on the earth, but the top reached to heaven: Thus though Adam's inferior part the body, was exercised in these earthly things, yet his soul the more sublime part, that was fixed in heaven; But now all our su•eableness and communion with heavenly objects is wholly perished; we have hearts enlarged with joy, we are ravished with delights about worldly things, and when brought to any thing that is heavenly, there we are weary, and neither flesh or spirit is willing to such things; yet nature might reach us, that man of all creatures only hath hands, and those not to embrace the earth, but he hath feet to walk and trample upon it. We read of Paul and David, with other godly ones, when recovered in part from the power of this original corruption, what longings and breakings of soul they had after God, and his Ordinances. These things were accounted for sweetness above the honey; and for preciousness above gold; now why should not every man be able to say so as well as they? but because our tastes are wholly distempered, and we are carnal not spiritual. Certainly spiritual objects have in themselves infinite more matter of joy and delight, then any earthly thing can have; who can think there is more sweetness in a drop, then in the ocean? more light in the star, then in the sun? The creature is less then these in comparison of God: May not than even blind men see, that we are all over-plunged into sin? else, why should not God and heavenly objects, which do so far surpass in matter of true delight be more sweet and welcome to us, then all the creatures of the world though put together? Psal. 4▪ 6. Many say, who will show us any good? The natural man finds no delight but in these earthly things oppositely to God. There is a She•ll in his soul, that is always craving and asking, never satisfied;