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

First, Herein is the sinfulness of the wills choice manifested, That it electeth and embraceth such things as are pleasing to flesh and blood, that are suitable to sense, although there be never so many snares and temptations, thereby to endanger the soul. As it was with Lot, Gen. 13. 10, 11. when he beheld all the plain of jordan to be well watered, and that it was like the garden of God, he chose all that country, and departed from Abraham; But in what sad dangers did this unwise choice of his cast him into? And thus it is with every man naturally, he chooseth such conditions, such ways, as are full of pleasure, profit and advantages, in the mean while not considering how quickly this honey is turned into choler, that rugged and difficult ways had been better then such sweet and pleasant ways: Whereas then Moral Philosophy maketh a three-fold good, Utile, Jucundum and Honestum, Profitable, Pleasant and Honest, or Virtuous, and the later is properly and fully the object of the will, that is so depraved, that it chooseth only ⟨p. 283⟩what is advantageous or pleasant. Experience doth abundantly confirm this, for what man naturally till regenerated doth choose any thing, but as it is connatural to, and commensurated with that depraved appetite within: David being enlivened with a supernatural life, see what a choice he declareth that he had made, Psal. 119. 30, 173. In both those verses he professeth, He had chosen the Commandments of God: Hence the Wise man, who knew what was fittest to be chosen, saith. Prov. 16. 16. That wisdom and understanding (which is nothing but grace) is to be chosen rather then gold or silver: If then the will were truly sanctified, it would not choose a thing, because it is delightsome and profitable, but because it's holy and commanded by God, Isa. 7. 15. it is made the description of a child, That he knoweth not to refuse the evil, and choose the good: Thus the child (and a fool) he will choose his bauble before gold or silver; such folly and simplicity is upon us; The will is so perverted that it will choose any thing rather then that which is indeed and solidly good.