The Christian Sabbath defended against a crying evil in these times of the antisabitarians…

So it is likely that man also—And indeed the inference from Angels to men in this particular, seems to proceed from that which is less likely to that which is more likely. If the angels of themselves fell so soon, how much more likely is it, that both Satan would set himself with the first, to tempt them, and being tempted less strange it is that they should fall. But concerning the angels defection, it doth not follow, either by our Saviours phrase, or Austins phrase that either of them believed they fell so soon. But whensoever that was proposed unto them, which was the trial of their obedience; had they approved of it and submitted unto Gods Will, that had been or thereupon undoubtedly had followed their confirmation, as it was u no them that stood; and their not approving it, their not submitting unto it was their sin in part, though according to their spiritual nature, it might be in the highest degree of stomach and pride; like as their approbation thereof who obeyed was in an high degree of zeal and humility. Aquinas professeth it to be more profitable,¹ and more agreeable to the sayings of the Saints; that the Devil sinned anon after the first instant of his Creation. Secondly, Doctor ⟨p. 54⟩Willets second argument is this;² Our Saviour saith that the Devil was a murderer from the beginning, not of the World, but of mans Creation, therefore at the very first he set upon them. But that phrase from the beginning doth not tie us to any such exact calculation. Thirdly, the subtlety of the Devil doth insinuate as much, who would then assault them, when they were least able to resist, before they by experience were confirmed in their obedience. In this I confess there are two particulars of very momentous consideration. First, the Devils subtlety to set upon them, before they were possessed and taken up with an holy walking with God. Secondly, that continuance in an holy walking with God could not but confirm them, and make them more steadfast therein, having as yet no principle of the flesh in them to make resistance, and to suspect every motion that should arise to withdraw them from it. Fourthly, and it was fit, saith he, that man sinning should be cast out of paradise before he had fully tasted of the pleasure thereof, lest he afterward might be tormented with the loss, and attempted to return.