Heautonaparnumenos

This difference, though, we may observe betwixt theirs and this Dogma of our Saviours: theirs had no necessary influence on whatsoever else they taught, but so has this Dogma of Self-denial, ⟨p. 6⟩being the very Foundation of Christianity, yea the Grand Design of all Theology. The Law of Nature, that which was Adam's Rule in Innocency, did not design this, but suppose it. There was no such thing then in the world, as our Self, contradistinct from God. So that had Adam persevered in his Integrity, our Theology had been Genetical altogether, that is, by the Progressive method of Works of the Law, not the Regressive method of Faith and Mortification, we should have attained, after a perpetual tenor of liquid Happiness here, the eternal Fruition of it hereafter. But now, by the Intrusion of our Self into the world upon Adam's Fall, our Theology is turned Analytical altogether; St. John plainly telling us,¹ our Saviour appeared, [Greek or Hebrew], that be might analyse, or dissolve the works of the devil. What those Works were is evident, their sole Foundation being that work of his on Adam, whom he tempted to seek himself, yea so far to seek himself, ²as to become Aemulus to God Himself, the Natural and last aim of Self-love, if it never receive check. This was the Devils first Handsale, his Masterpiece, that Grand Fundament all Design, on which he ha's built his Kingdom ever since. That therefore our Saviour might dissolve all his works as compendiously as might be, He, by this Doctrine, strikes at the Foundation, knowing, if that were undermined, the whole Building would soon totter. By this He lays the Axe to the Root of the Tree, ³knowing, if that were up, the Branches would soon come to the ground.

This difference, though, wee may observe betwixt theirs and this Dogma of our Saviours: theirs had no necessary influence on whatsoever else they taught, but so has this Dogma of Self-denyall, ⟨p. 6⟩being the very Foundation of Christianity, yea the Grand Designe of all Theologie. The Law of Nature, that which was Adam's Rule in Innocency, did not designe this, but suppose it. There was no such thing then in the world, as our Selfe, contradistinct from God. So that had Adam persevered in his Integrity, our Theologie had been Geneticall altogether, that is, by the Progressive method of Workes of the Law, not the Regressive method of Faith and Mortification, we should have attain'd, after a perpetuall tenour of liquid Happinesse here, the eternall Fruition of it hereafter. But now, by the Intrusion of our Self into the world upon Adam's Fall, our Theologie is turn'd Analyticall altogether; St. John plainly telling us,