N06399:268
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.
2. There has been given to the World an Example of Virtue, which, were it not for a dreadful Depravity of Nature, would have Influence on them that live under the Gospel, far beyond all other Examples; and that is the Example of Jesus Christ.
God, who knew the human Nature, and how apt Men are to be influenced by Example, has made answerable Provision. His infinite Wisdom has contrived that we should have set before us the most amiable and perfect Example, in such Circumstances as should have the greatest ⟨p. 113⟩Tendency to influence all the Principles of Man's Nature, but his Corruption. Men are apt to be moved by the Example of others like themselves, or in their own Nature; therefore this Example was given in our Nature. Men are ready […] follow the Examples of the great and honourable: and this Example, tho' it was of one in our Nature, yet it was of one infinitely higher and more honourable than Kings or Angels. A People are apt to follow the Example of their Prince: This is the Example of that glorious Person, who stands in a peculiar Relation to Christians, as their Lord & King, the supreme Head of the Church; and not only so but the King of Kings, supreme Head of the Universe, and Head over all Things to the Church. Children are apt to follow the Example of their Parents: This is the Example of the Author of our Being, and one who is in a peculiar and extraordinary Manner our Father, as he is the Author of our holy and happy Being; besides his being the Creator of the World, and everlasting Father of the Universe. Men are very apt to follow the Example of their Friends: The Example of Christ is of one that is infinitely our greatest Friend, standing in the most endearing Relations of our Brother, Redeemer, spiritual Head and Husband: whose Grace and Love expressed to us, transcends all other Love and Friendship, as much as Heaven is higher than the Earth. And the Virtues and Acts of his Example were exhibited to us in the most endearing and engaging Circumstances that can possibly be conceived of: His Obedience and Submission to God, his Humility. Meekness, Patience, Charity, Self-D•nial, &c. being exercised and expressed in a Work of infinite Grace, Love, Condescension and Beneficence to us; and had all their highest Expression in his laying down his Life for us, and meekly, patiently and cheerfully undergoing such extreme and unutterable Suffering, for our eternal Salvation. Men are peculiarly apt to follow the Example of such as they have great Benefits from: