Rome ruin'd by VVhite Hall, or, The papall crown demolisht

SECT. 4. Of Concupisence.

THe Pelacians doe hold this tenent in the generall, that Con∣cupisence was not sinne in any man; and so doe the Papists generally, in particulars, (viz. that concupisence after Baptisme is not properly sinne, nor forbidden by Commandement; and that it is not verily and properly a sinne in the regenerate, but that it is only so called, because it comes of sinne, and inclineth to sinne;) each of their Objections shall be propounded, and answe∣red:* 1.1 And first in answer to the Pelagians objection, that hold it in the generall, that concupisence (which is the first fruit of ori∣ginall sinne, being to will, or to desire without the externall acti∣on) is no sinne; to which purpose they argue thus: viz.

Obj. Such things as are naturall, are not evill, but concupisence, or to will, is naturall; therefore it is not evill, nor consequently sin.

Ans. The Apostle saith, that we are all by nature the children of wrath, therefore because we are so by nature, by the same rea∣son it should be no discommodity unto us to be the children of wrath, which would be a meere madnesse to conceive.

Obj. Even in our nature as it now standeth corrupt, the appe∣tite or desire of such things as tend to the conservation of nature, and to decline and shun the contrary are not evill, but such is the concupisence to meat and drink, and the like; ergo.

Ans. Such motions and appetites of themselves are not evill,* 1.2 as they are naturall motions, but if they be inordinate motions, and exceed a just measure, they are evill; as to have an immo∣derate desire to meat and drink, for as it was naturall for Eve to desire to eate of the fruit of the tree, yet to desire it against the Commandement of God was evill; so it is likewise with these naturall motions, if they be immoderate, and inordinate, they are evill.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Questions propounded and answered touching Con∣cupisence.
• * 1.2

  Concupisence how evill, and how not evill.]