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

Now the Socinian appeareth in his own ugly and deformed colours, let us see whether there be any validity in this reason or no. And

First, It is very frivolous, ridiculous and absurd; for we are asking for a reason of the general inclination of all men in all ages to evil, and he would assign one for that special age of the world before Christ. Is it not still true, even since Christs coming, that the heart of a man is desperately and incurably set upon evil, till the grace of God doth sanctify it? So that though in the New Testament the glory of heaven, and the torments of hell, are evidently and powerfully demonstrated, yet still there is the same torrent of impiety in the manners of men.

First, It is very frivolous, ridiculous and absurd; for we are asking for a reason of the general inclination of all men in all ages to evil, and he would assign one for that speciall age of the world before Christ. Is it not still true, even since Christs coming, that the heart of a man is desperately and incurably set upon evil, till the grace of God doth sanctifie it? So that though in the New Testament the glory of heaven, and the torments of hell, are evidently and powerfully demonstrated, yet still there is the same torrent of impiety in the manners of men.

Secondly, This reason cannot be acquitted from blasphemy (in some sense) against God, for the cause of overflowing impiety in the Old Testament times, is reduced hereby to God himself. May not all the profane ones in that age of the world take up this mans Argument to defend themselves? O Lord it is from thee we are thus universally wicked! Had the joys of heaven been promised to us in well-doing: had the torments of hell been manifested unto us; we had then been awakened; so that we are now wicked, because we wanted such efficacious means to prevent our impiety, that afterwards were vouchsafed to the world; so that the Israelites might have replied to the Prophet Hosea, Chap. 13. 9. that he spake falsely: their destruction is not of themselves, but of God, who did not give them sufficient encouragements. Had the Asserters of original sin affirmed any such thing, that might so heinously have redounded to the dishonour of Gods justice, his mercy and goodness, what tragical exclamations would have been raised up immediately? But thus it falleth out always, that those who out of a preposterous fear sometimes to hold such things, that