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

The Wills loss of that Aptitude and readiness it should have to follow the deliberation and advise of the Understanding.

The Wils loss of that Aptitude and readiness it should have to follow the deliberation and advise of the Understanding.

The sinfulness of the Will in its noble and famous operation of Election or choosing hath been in a great measure considered, I shall add two particulars more, and what is further to be taken notice of in this point, will seasonably come in, when we are to treat of the Will in its freedom, or rather servitude.

THe sinfulnesse of the Will in its noble and famous operation of Election or chusing hath been in a great measure considered, I shall adde two particulars more, and what is further to be taken notice of in this point, will seasonably come in, when we are to treat of the Will in its freedome, or rather servitude.

The first of these two to be mentioned is, The loss of that aptitude and readiness it should have to follow the deliberation and prudent advise of the understanding. For this is the privative Institution and nature of the soul in its operations; The understanding when the end is pitched upon doth consult and deliberate in a prudential way about the means which may conduce to that end, and when prudence doth direct about those things which are to be done, then the will is to embrace and elect that medium rather then any other, which reason doth thus wisely suggest; Thus it ought to be, now the will being wholly corrupt doth not choose according to the dictates of prudence, but the suggestions of sense, and the carnal affections within us; So that naturally a man chooseth an object, not because reason or prudence saith, This is good, this is according to Gods will, but because sense or affection saith, this is pleasant and delightful. This sad perverting of the order of the will in its operations, if rightly considered, would throw us upon the ground, and make us with great amazement and astonishment cry out of our selves; For what can be more absurd and grievous then the will, which is so essentially subordinated in its choosing to the guidance of the understanding, should now be so debased, that like Samson without eyes, it is made to grind in every mill, that any carnal affection shall command; we may see the good method and rule the will should walk by in