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

Thirdly, We are not able of our selves to have the least desire or longing after grace, and a state of holiness. Not only Pelagianism, but Semi-pelagianism is a dangerous rock to be avoided: The later made our desires to begin, and then Gods grace to succeed and accomplish; But there is not so much as the least groan, the least desire can arise in thy heart: Oh that God would change me! Oh that I were in the state of those that do truly fear God! And the reason is, because the Scripture describeth us by nature to be dead in sin, and compareth the work of grace to a spiritual resurrection: Oh how great is thy bondage which doth so far oppress thee, that thou canst not so much as long for any freedom! Oh hopeless and wretched man, if left to himself!

Thirdly, We are not able of our selves to have the least desire or longing after grace, and a state of holinesse. Not only Pelagianism, but Semi-pelagianism is a dangerous rock to be avoided: The later made our desires to begin, and then Gods grace to succeed and accomplish; But there is not so much as the least groan, the least desire can arise in thy heart: Oh that God would change me! Oh that I were in the state of those that do truly fear God! And the reason is, because the Scripture describeth us by nature to be dead in sinne, and compareth the work of grace to a spiritual resurrection: Oh how great is thy bondage which doth so farre oppress thee, that thou canst not so much as long for any freedom! Oh hopeless and wretched man, if left to himself!

Fourthly, From this followeth the next demonstration of our vassalage and spiritual impotency, That we cannot pray to God, that he would deliver us out of this misery. No natural man can pray, it is the grace of God that doth enable thereunto, he may utter the words of prayer, he may repeat the expressions, but (alas) he doth not, he cannot pray, as God requireth, and so as he will accept of it. The Apostle is clear for this, Rom. 8. 26. The Spirit helpeth our infirmities, ⟨p. 315⟩for we know not what to pray for as we ought; Is not this unspeakable misery, who needeth to pray more then thou, and yet thou canst not pray? Thou art sinning, thou art dying, thou are damning, and yet canst not pray: Is not thy heart like an adamant, if this break thee not?