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

That there is such an universal propensity in all mankind, is confirmed by experience, and acknowledged by the adversaries to original sin. Let us bring some few demonstrations à posteriori, that they may fully prove the [Greek or Hebrew], That there is such an impetuous inclination in man to sin. And

THat there is such an universal propensity in all manking, is confirmed by experience, and acknowledged by the adversaris to original sinne. Let us bring some few demonstrations à posteriori, that they may fully prove the 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, That there is such an impetuous inclination in man to sinne. And

First, The testimony of the Scripture may be instar omnium in this point, that doth sufficiently attest the general pollution of all men by their evil doings. Not to bring in that fore-mentioned place, Psal. 14. 2, 3. where God is said to look from Heaven upon the children of men, and he could not behold one that did good, no not one. It was not upon Judea only, but upon the children of men, and he could not find one good. We may take in many other places to confirm this, How quickly had all mankind corrupted it self? as appeareth, Gen. 6. 12. God looked upon the earth, and behold it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted his way before God. Here we see, not long after the Creation, how all the world was quickly become abominable in his eyes; All flesh had corrupted his way every man had defiled himself; Yea so great it was, that vers. 5. Every imagination of man, was only evil, and that continually. Now whence should all this evil arise? Must not the fountain needs be bitter, from which so many bitter streams flow? Could so many thorns grow from men if they were grapes? If so be there were the seeds of virtue in men by nature (as they say) or at least man is by nature indifferent either to good or evil, yea more inclining to good; How cometh it about that always evil should prevail? How is it that good doth not sometimes take place? Why is there not an age to be recorded, wherein we may say, all flesh had made their ways holy, and that every imagination of the thoughts of mans heart was only good continually? Why should not there be some ages, wherein God might look from Heaven, and see none that did evil, no not one? The pure Naturalists are never able to answer this satisfactorily; for if man be by nature as well without vice or virtue, ready and capable to receive either, as his will shall carry him; Why is it, that this will of man doth never prevail universally in some age, to make all good? Why should sin always get the upper hand, and supplant virtue (as it were) so as to come out first? Neither can that be a refuge in this Text, which sometimes they run unto; That long custom in sinning for many ages together, and evil examples so long confirmed from age to age, d cause such a torrent of impiety; For not to speak at this time of the cause of such evil customs and examples; How came they at first?