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

First, Such is the thraldom of the will, That a man by nature cannot resist the least temptation to sin, much less the greatest, without the special grace of God helping at that time. We matter not those Pelagian Doctors who hold a man by his own power may resist less temptations, yea more grievous ones, though not continually; for when our Saviour teacheth us to pray, That we may not be lead into temptation, doth not that imply, whatsoever is a temptation, whether it be small or great, if the Lord leave us thereunto, we presently are overcome by it. Certainly, if Adam while retaining his integrity in a temptation, and that about so small a matter comparatively, for want of actual corroborating grace, was overtaken by it: Is it any wonder that we who have no inward spiritual principle of holiness within us, but are filled with all evil and corruption, that we are reeds shaken with every wind? The rotten Apple must fall at every blast: Know then that it is either sanctifying or restraining grace, that keeps thee from every snare of sin thou meetest with; Thou wouldst every hour fall into the mire did not that uphold: These Delilahs would make thee sleep in their laps, and then as Jael to Sicera, so would they do to thee. Herein is our bondage discovered.

First, Such is the thraldom of the will, That a man by nature cannot resist the least temptation to sinne, much lesse the greatest, without the special grace of God helping at that time. We matter not those Pelagian Doctors who hold a man by his own power may resist lesse temptations, yea more grievous ones, though not continually; for when our Saviour teacheth us to pray, That we may not be lead into temptation, doth not that imply, whatsoever is a temptation, whether it be small or great, if the Lord leave us thereunto, we presently are overcome by it. Certainly, if Adam while retaining his integrity in a temptation, and that about so small a matter comparatively, for want of actual corroborating grace, was overtaken by it: Is it any wonder that we who have no inward spiritual principle of holiness within us, but are filled with all evil and corruption, that we are reeds shaken with every wind? The rotten Apple must fall at every blast: Know then that it is either sanctifying or restraining grace, that keeps thee from every snare of sinne thou meetest with; Thou wouldst every hour fall into the mire did not that uphold: These Dalilahs would make thee sleep in their laps, and then as Jael to Sicera, so would they do to thee. Herein is our bondage discovered.