1 IN respect of the nature of sinne, which of it selfe deserveth death, Rom. 6. 23. The wages of sinne is death, as also in that it is a transgression of the Law, 1 John 3. 4. and every transgres∣sion of the Law is under the Curse, Gal. 3. 10. 2. In respect of the infinite Maiesty of God, who to offend can be no veniall sinne of it selfe, considering his perfect and absolute righteousnesse, which cannot abide the least blemish and imperfection. Therefore in regard of the perfect righteousnesse, and infinite Maiesty of God, no sinne against him can be veniall, as in the sudden motion and passion of anger, even when it is sudden and unadvised; yea, though there be no further purpose or intendment of hurt, is notwithstanding guilty of judgement, Matth. 5. 22.
So then we admit of a distinction of mortall and veniall sinnes,* 1.1 if it be understood not of the nature of sinne, but of the quali∣ties of the persons: for unto them that believe, all sinnes are ve∣niall and pardonable, through the mercy of God, Rom. 8. 1. There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus; but to the wic∣ked and unbelievers, all their sinnes are mortall, Rom. 6. 23. to them the stipend and wages of sin is death.
Now if we trace this originall and spaune of sinne unto the birth, we shall find it in action, which action proceedeth from the conception of the will, to enioy the thing desired, as the Apo∣stle James saith, When lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sinne, Jam. 1. 15.