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

Lastly, Whereas the 18th Chapter of Ezekiel is commonly objected against this truth, where God by the Prophet at large declareth, That the Son shall not die for the fathers sin (an innocent for a nocent) but every one shall die in his own iniquity; I have spoken something to this already, neither am I to consider, how that place is to be reconciled with the second Commandment, wherein God is said, To visit the iniquity of fathers upon their children to several generations, Exod. 20. 3. and several instances of Scripture make it good. To be sure the Proverb which gave occasion to this passage, was a profane one, redounding to Gods dishonour; Sanctius (in locum) the Papist thinketh that the Jews of old had used it, and that because of Adam's fall imputed to his posterity, but it seemeth rather at that time to be taken up, while under the judgements of God, especially for Manassehs his sins, as appeareth Jer. 15. 4. where is observable, that though Manasseh had repented, and his sins pardoned to him, yet God visited them upon the Nation afterward; So that it may not seem strange: If it be affirmed, That notwithstanding Adam repented, and his sin pardoned, yet it may be visited upon all his posterity. There are various thoughts about the interpretation of the place: Some making it a promise under the Covenant of grace only, as it seemeth probable, if you compare it with Jer. 31. 29. where the same profane Proverb is mentioned, and this promise to the contrary, whereas Adam was under the Covenant of works. Others very probably say, This is not to be extended to all times and places, only God promiseth, That in their particular condition at present, they shall have no occasion to use it; for such who did, might be brought back from their captivity. Thus Sanctius and Maldenate, because (say they) it is plain, That the Jews now are under their grievous calamity for their fathers sake, who crucified Christ, saying, Let his blood be upon us and our children, Mat. 27. 25. But however the Exposition be, it doth not gain-say this Doctrine of original sin, for there it speaketh of children free from their parents sins;

Lastly, Whereas the 18th Chapter of Ezekiel is commonly objected against this truth, where God by the Prophet at large declareth, That the Sonne shall not die for the fathers sinne (an innocent for a nocent) but every one shall die in his own iniquity; I have spoken something to this already, neither am I to consider, how that place is to be reconciled with the second Commandment, wherein God is said, To visit the iniquity of fathers upon their children to several generations,