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

The Difference between Original and Actual Sin.

The Difference between Original and Actual Sinne.

The only way to comprehend the latitude of this excellent truth about the Conflict between flesh and spirit in the true believer, because of original sin still adhering to him, is to lay down several Propositions, wherein we may at the same time assert truth, and obviate some error.

THe only way to comprehend the latitude of this excellent truth about the Conflict between flesh and spirit in the true believer, because of original sinne still adhering to him, is to lay down several Propositions, wherein we may at the same time assert truth, and obviate some error.

First, Original sin doth greatly differ from actual sin in this particular, that when an actual sin is committed, there remaineth no more but the guilt of it, which upon repentance by justification is wholly removed away, and thus an actual sin is as if it had never been; but in original sin, although the guilt of it be taken away, yet the nature of it abideth still, though not with such dominion as formerly it did. It is true the Schoolmen, except Biel and some others, say, actual sins leave a macula, a blot or defilement upon the soul, as well as a reatus, or guilt; and what this macula is, they are different in their explication of: but we must necessarily grant, that every actual sin doth defile the soul, depriving it either of the beauty it hath, or ought to have, but yet still the act of sin is passed away, whereas in original sin, the sin it self doth still continue, by which it is, that though to those who are in Christ, there is no actual condemnation, yet there is that which is damnable in them; insomuch as without Christ there is a woe to their most holy and praise-worthy actions. It is true, the Papists and others look upon this as non-sense, or a contradiction, that sin should be in a man, and not make him guilty; as if actual condemnation might not be separated from sin, though indeed the desert of condemnation cannot. It cannot be but wheresoever sin is it doth deserve hell, it hath enough in it to provoke God to wrath, but yet when humbled for and withstood, then through the blood of Christ, this actual guilt, though not the potential one, is taken away. Yea original sin doth not only differ from actual sin, but also habitual, because though habitual sins do abide in a man, yet when a man is regenerated, and made a new creature, all the habits of sin are expelled; for if the habits of sin and grace should abide together, then a man might at the same time be holy and unholy, the son of God, and the son of the Devil, seeing our denomination is from the habits that are within us; therefore that cannot be. But though in our Regeneration the habits of sin are removed, yet it is not so with original corruption, that is not an acquired, but an innate habit of