N06399:753
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.
To which I shall briefly say, Doubtless, supposing Men are really become sinful, and so exposed to the Displeasure of God, by whatever Means, if they once come to have their Eyes opened, and are not very stupid, the Reflection on their Case will tend to make them sorrowful; and 'tis fit, it should. Men, with whom this is the Case, may well be filled with Sorrow, till they are sincerely willing to forsake their Sins, and turn to God.—But there is Nothing in this Doctrine, that in the least stands ⟨p. 371⟩in the Way of Comfort and exceeding Joy, to such as find in their Hearts a sincere Willingness, wholly to forsake all Sin, and give their Hearts and whole Selves to Christ, and comply with the Gospel-Method of Salvation by him.
To which I shall briefly say, Doubtless, supposing Men are really become sinful, and so exposed to the Displeasure of God, by whatever Means, if they once come to have their Eyes open'd, and are not very stupid, the Reflection on their Case will tend to make them sorrowful; and 'tis fit, it should. Men, with whom this is the Case, may well be fill'd with Sorrow, till they are sincerely willing to forsake their Sins, and turn to God.—But there is Nothing in this Doctrine, that in the least stands ⟨p. 371⟩in the Way of Comfort and exceeding Joy, to such as find in their Hearts a sincere Willingness, wholly to forsake all Sin, and give their Hearts and whole Selves to Christ, and comply with the Gospel-Method of Salvation by him.
Another Thing objected, is, That to make Men believe that Wickedness belongs to their very Nature. tends to encourage them in Sin, and plainly to lead them to all Manner of Iniquity; because they are taught, that Sin is natural, and therefore necessary and unavoidable*
- *P. 139, and 2•9.