Theology Explained & Defended (Volume 1); Sermons

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1828. Excerpt: ... DEPRAVITY OF MAN. ITS DEGREE. Ecclisustes viii. 11.--Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. IN the two last discourses, I proposed for consideration the following doctrine: That in consequence of the Apostacy of Adam all men have sinned; and endeavoured to prove the Universality of sin in the former of these discourses; 1st. From Revelation: and, 2dly. From Facts: And in the latter from the great fact, that mankind have rejected the Word of the Lord. It is now my design to examine, in several particulars, the Degree, in which the sinfulness of man exists. On this subject I observe, 1st. That the human character is not depraved to the full extent of the human powers. It has been said, neither unfrequently, nor by men void of understanding, that man is as depraved a being, as his faculties will permit him to be; but it has been said without consideration, and without truth. Neither the Scriptures, nor Experience, warrant this assertion. Wicked men and seducers, it is declared, will wax worse and worse; deceiving and being deceived. During the first half of human fife this may, perhaps, be explained by the growth of the faculties; but during a considerable period, preceding its termination, it cannot be thus explained: for the faculties decay, while the depravity still increases. Nations, also, are declared, to be at some periods of time, far worse than at others; although it cannot be pretended, that during the period specified their faculties were superior. Saul appears to have been a man of more talents than Jeroboam; Jeroboam than Ahab; and Uzziah than either; yet Ahab was a worse man than Jeroboam; Jeroboam than Saul; and Saul than Uzziah. The Young Man, who came to Christ, to ...