N06399:746
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 4 › Chapter 4
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.
'Tis probable, Dr. T. intends an Argument against original Sin, by that which he says in Opposition to what R. R. suggests of Children's discovering the Principles of Iniquity, and Seeds of Sin, before they are capable of moral Action. *viz. "That little Children are made Patterns of Humility, Meekness and Innocence, in Matth. xviii. 3. 1 Cor. xiv. 20. and Psal. cxxxi. 2.
- *P. 353, 354.
But when the utmost is made of this, there can be no Shadow of Reason, to understand more by these Texts, than that little Children are recommended as Patterns in regard of a negative Virtue, Innocence with respect to the Exercises and Fruits of Sin, Harmlessness as to the hurtful Effects of it, and that Image of Meekness and Humility arising from this, in Conjunction with a natural Tenderness of Mind, Fear, Self-diffidence, Yieldableness, and Confidence in Parents and others older than themselves. And so, they are recommended as Patterns of Virtue no more than Doves, which are an harmless Sort of Creature, and have an Image of the Virtues of Meekness and Love. Even according to Dr. T—r's own Doctrine, no more can be made of it than this: For his Scheme will not admit of any such thing as positive Virtue, or virtuous Disposition, in Infants; he insisting (as was observed before) that Virtue must be the Fruit of Thought and Reflection. But there can be no Thought and Reflection, that produces positive Virtue, in Children, not yet capable of moral Action; and it is such Children he speaks of. And that little Children have a negative Virtue or Innocence, in relation to the positive Acts and hurtful Effects of Vice, is no Argument that they have not corrupt Nature within them: for let their Nature be ever so corrupt, yet surely 'tis no Wonder that they be not guilty of positive wicked Action, before they are capable of any moral Action at all.—A young Viper has a malignant Nature, though incapable of doing a malignant Action, and at present appearing a harmless Creature.