The shibboleth
Hence we may, second, learn that all who deny this, call it original sin or by any other title, are but Heathens still, in the fundamental point which distinguishes Heathenism from Christianity. They may indeed allow that men have many vices, that some are born with us, and that consequently we are not born altogether so wise or so virtuous as we should be, there being few who will roundly affirm: We are born with as much propensity to good as to evil, and every man is by nature as virtuous and wise as Adam was at his creation. But here is the shibboleth (Judges 12:6): Is man by nature filled with all manner of evil? Is he void of all good? Is he wholly fallen? Is his soul totally corrupted? Or, to come back to the text: Is every imagination of the thoughts of his heart only evil continually (Genesis 6:5)? Allow this and you are so far a Christian. Deny it, and you are but a Heathen still.
1771 text
2. Hence we may, secondly, learn, That all who deny this, call it original sin, or by any other title, are but Heathens still, in the fundamental point which differences Heathenism from Christianity. They may indeed allow, That men have many vices: that some are born with us: and that consequently we are not born altogether so wise or so virtuous, as we should be: there being few that will roundly affirm, “We are born with as much propensity to good as to evil, and that every man is by nature as virtuous and wise, as Adam was at his creation.” But here is the shibboleth: is man by nature filled with all manner of evil? Is he void of all good? Is he wholly fallen? Is his soul totally corrupted? Or, to come back to the text, Is every imagination of the thoughts of his heart only evil continually? Allow this and you are so far a Christian. Deny it, and you are but an Heathen still.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 44 in the 1771 Works. Genesis 6:5.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.