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

In the next place, This original sin is illustrated in the issue of it: the Apostle showeth, how sin à primo ad ultimum cometh to be accomplished. So that as in other places, we read of the generations of men, the generations of Adam, of the Israelites; so here is the generation of sin described. Now it is good to observe, that in this whole discourse the Apostle doth proceed metaphorically, comparing original sin to a woman, like that whore in the Proverbs, alluring and enticing man to sin; or as Adam was at first tempted to sin by Eve; so still we are drawn aside to sin by this original corruption, which is like an Eve, or like a Delilah, and a Joseph's mistress, importunately soliciting of us to what is evil: and as with the woman there is pleasure in conception, but pangs and sorrows in bringing forth, so it is with sin: while we do at first entertain it, there is pleasure and delight, but afterwards it leaveth a terrible sting in a man, depriving him of all comfort day and night; We may therefore observe the several steps and degrees of sin before it cometh to be consummated.

In the next place, This original sinne is illustrated in the issue of it: the Apostle sheweth, how sinne à primo ad ultimum cometh to be accomplished. So that as in other places, we read of the generations of men, the generations of Adam, of the Israelites; so here is the generation of sinne described. Now it is good to observe, that in this whole discourse the Apostle doth proceed metaphorically, comparing original sinne to a woman, like that whore in the Proverbs, alluring and enticing man to sinne; or as Adam was at first tempted to sinne by Eve; so still we are drawn aside to sinne by this original corruption, which is like an Eve, or like a Daeliah, and a Joseph's mistress, importunately solliciting of us to what is evil: and as with the woman there is pleasure in conception, but pangs and sorrows in bringing forth, so it is with sinne: while we do at first entertain it, there is pleasure and delight, but afterwards it leaveth a terrible sting in a man, depriving him of all comfort day and night; We may therefore observe the several steps and degrees of sinne before it cometh to be consummated.

1. There is the mother, or root of all, and that is called lust, which must not only be extended to the carnal sensual appetite of a man, but principally to the rational part: for there original sin hath its chiefest dominion; that is the metropolis, as afterwards is to be showed.