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

But if we do seriously consider, how much evil was in this one sin, which Tertullian maketh to be a breach of the whole Law of God, we will then humble our selves, and acknowledge the just hand of God. For

But if we do seriously consider, how much evil was in this one sinne, which Tertullian maketh to be a breach of the whole Law of God, we will then humble our selves, and acknowledge the just hand of God. For

First, This is heinously to be aggravated from the internal qualification of the subject. Adam who did thus offend was made upright, created in the Image of God; In his understanding he had a large measure of light and knowledge; For though the Socinians would have him a mere I deot and innocent, yet it may easily be evidenced to the contrary: The Image of God consisteth in the perfection of the mind, as well as in holiness of the other parts of the soul: Neither did El•phaz in his discourse with Job, apprehend such ignorance in Adam, when he saith, Art thou the first man was born? Wast thou made before the hills?—Dost thou restrain wisdom to thy self? Job 15. 7 8. implying, that the first man was made full of knowledge; If then Adam had such pure light in his mind, this made his sin the greater, yea because of this light some have proceeded so far as to make.Adam's sin the sin against the holy Ghost; but I shall not affirm that; Certainly in that Adam had so great knowledge, this made his offence the more evil; hence because there was no ignorance in his mind, nor no passions in the sensitive part at that time to disturb him, his sin was merely and totally voluntary, and the more the will is in a sin the greater it is: Hence Rom. 5. It is called expressly disobedience, By one mans disobedience; Yea learned men say, That this was the proper specific sin of Adam, eve• disobedience; For although disobedience be in a large sense in every sin, yet this sin of Adams was specifically disobedience, for God gave him a positive command merely, that thereby Adam should testify his obedience to him. The thing in it self, was not intrinsically evil to eat of the forbidden fruit, it was sinful, only because it was forbidden; and by this God would have Adam demonstrate his homage to him, but in offending, he became guilty in a particular way of disobedience.