§. Sect. 3 That we are chiefly to exa∣mine our selues in respect of our sinnes; and first, our origi∣nal corruption.
But the chiefe things wherin we must most often and seriously examine our selues, are our sinnes, and the miseries and punishments which attend vpon them. And first, our originall corruption, whereby we haue defaced Gods Image in vs, and defiled all the powers and faculties of our soules and bodies, whereby being vtterly disabled vnto all good duties of Gods seruice, they are prone vnto all euill, and to performe seruice vnto sinne and Satan. So that there is naturally no sound place in vs, but from the crowne of the head, to the sole of the foot, nothing but wounds and bruizes, and putrifying sores. Nor any sinne and wickednesse, how abominable so euer, the seeds whereof doe not remaine in vs, wanting nothing but the tenta∣tions of the deuill, the world, and our owne flesh, to make them sprowt vp and come to their full growth, as oft as we get fit opportunity. Neither is this the case of some alone, but of all without exception, one as well as another, being ready to commit any outragious wickednes, Dauid as well as Cain, Lot as the Sodomites, Peter as well as Iudas. Or if they doe not, it is not from the benefit of nature, which is equally corrupt in all (all be∣ing alike the children of wrath and dead in their sinnes) but from the Spi∣rit of God, which either sanctifieth and changeth the nature of the Elect, or restraineth the wicked, by giuing them some common and Morall gifts, for the good of humane society, which otherwise could not stand, if they were let loose to their naturall impiety. Of which restraint, if they be once freed and left to themselues, they burst out with Nero, Hazael, Iudas, and many others, into such outragious wickednesse, as in the time of the Spirits restraint, their owne iudgements, who are best acquainted with their owne hearts, would haue thought, that their natures could not pos∣sibly be inclined to such abominations. Heere then is matter enough for our triall and examination to be exercised about, if wee will rake in this noysome sinke of all vncleannesse, and rip these old sores to the bottome. Which though it be vnpleasant to corrupted nature, because being ful of selfe-loue, it fleeth the sight of its owne deformities, and being willing to flatter it selfe with a false opinion of some natiue beauty, doth abhorre the discouery of its vgly filthinesse, and with the Elephant wilfully muddeth the cleere waters, which would giue it a view how monstrously it is mis∣shapen; yet is it a consideration most necessary; seeing this is the roote and fountaine of all our other sinnes, whereof wee should most seriously repent, bewayling, and reforming this inbred corruption; which if wee neglect, and spend all our time about our actuall sinnes, it is all one, as if we should bee still chopping at the branches, and let the roote liue and grow, or be wholly taken vp in clensing of the streames, and neuer take care for the purging of the fountaine, which being polluted, defiles them with its filthinesse.