N06399:253
The great Christian doctrine of original sin defended
The great Christian doctrine of original sin defended; evidences of it's [sic] truth produced, and arguments to the contrary answered. Containing, in particular, a reply to the objections and arguings of Dr. John Taylor, in his book, entitled, "The Scripture-doctrine of original sin proposed to free and candid examination, &c. / By the late Reverend and learned Jonathan Edwards, president of the College of New-Jersey. ; [Thirteen lines of quotations]The great Christian doctrine of original sin defended; evidences of it's [sic] truth produced, and arguments to the contrary answered. Containing, in particular, a reply to the objections and arguings of Dr. John Taylor, in his book, intitled, "The Scripture-doctrine of original sin proposed to free and candid examination, &c. / By the late Reverend and learned Jonathan Edwards, president of the College of New-Jersey. ; [Thirteen lines of quotations]
printed by S. Kneeland, 1758
The great Christian Doctrine of ORIGINAL SIN defended. › Part 1 › Chapter 1 › Section 9
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
But I would ask, how it comes to pass that Mankind so universally agree in this evil Exercise of their Free-Will? If their Wills are in the first Place as free to Good as Evil, what is it to be ascribed to, that the World of Mankind consisting of so many Millions, in so many successive Generations, without Consultation, all agree to exercise their Freedom in Favour of Evil? If there be no natural Tendency or Preponderation in the Case, then there is as good a Chance for the Will's being determined to Good as Evil. If the Cause is indifferent, why is not the Effect in some Measure indifferent? If the Balance be no heavier at one End than the other, why does it perpetually and as it were infinitely preponderate one Way? How comes it to pass, that the Free-Will of Mankind has been determined to Evil, in like Manner before the Flood, and after the Flood; under the Law, and under the Gospel; among both Jews and Gentiles, under the Old Testament; and since that, among Christians, Jews, Mahometans; among Papists and Protestants; in those Nations where Civility, Politeness, Arts and Learning most prevail, and among the Negroes & Hottentots in Africa, the Tartars in Asia, and Indians in America, towards both the Poles, and on every Side of the Globe; in greatest Cities, and obscurest Villages; in Palaces, and in Huts, Wigwams and Cells under Ground? Is it enough, to reply, It happens so, that Men every where, and at all Times choose thus to determine their own Wills, and so to make themselves sinful, as soon as ever they are capable of it, ⟨p. 107⟩and to sin constantly as long as they live, and universally to choose never to come up half Way to their Duty?
But I would ask, how it comes to pass that Mankind so universally agree in this evil Exercise of their Free-Will? If their Wills are in the first Place as free to Good as Evil, what is it to be ascribed to, that the World of Mankind consisting of so many Millions, in so many successive Generations, without Consultation, all agree to exercise their Freedom in Favour of Evil? If there be no natural Tendency or Preponderation in the Case, then there is as good a Chance for the Will's being determined to Good as Evil. If the Cause is indifferent, why is not the Effect in some Measure indifferent? If the Balance be no heavier at one End than the other, why does it perpetually and as it were infinitely preponderate one Way? How comes it to pass, that the Free-Will of Mankind has been determined to Evil, in like Manner before the Flood, and after the Flood; under the Law, and under the Gospel; among both Jews and Gentiles, under the Old Testament; and since that, among Christians, Jews, Mahometans; among Papists and Protestants; in those Nations where Civility, Politeness, Arts and Learning most prevail, and among the Negroes & Hottentots in Africa, the Tartars in Asia, and Indians in America, towards both the Poles, and on every Side of the Globe; in greatest Cities, and obscurest Villages; in Palaces, and in Hutts, Wigwams and Cells under Ground? Is it enough, to reply, It happens so, that Men every where, and at all Times chuse thus to determine their own Wills, and so to make themselves sinful, as soon as ever they are capable of it,