3. Since this corruption of nature so early discovers itself, and abides in us, as long as we are in this world, let us take heed that we do not use means to increase it, by giving way to presumptuous sins; or endeavour to excite or draw it forth, either in ourselves, or others; for this will occasion abundance of actual transgressions. Thus having considered that guilt which we bring with us into the world, and that corruption of nature, which discovers itself, as soon as we appear to be intelligent creatures, or are capable of any disposition to sin; we proceed to speak concerning the misery and punishment that ensues hereupon. Footnote 67: _See Quest._ cv.-cli. Footnote 68: Gen. vi. 5. Is a picture of antideluvian iniquity, it not only proves that guilt was universal, and all men affected; that it was general, the greater portion of the actions of men being evil; but that the depravity of every unsanctified man was total, extending not merely to his _thoughts_, but to his _imagination_ יצר, the first _frame_ or _form_ of the thoughts. They were not partially, but _only evil_, and that not occasionally but _continually_. Yet the race who were destroyed, must have performed relative duties, parental and filial; and the tribes seem to have lived as free from war, at least, as those who have existed since the flood. If crimes before the flood exceeded in degree and multitude those of modern times, yet if they differed not in their nature, it will follow, that when the unrenewed in our days, are kind parents, dutiful children, honest men, and good citizens, they may be totally depraved; the “_imagination of the thoughts of their hearts may be only evil continually_.” As we know not their hearts, are to judge of them by their fruits, and are charitably to impute their actions to better motives, we may with propriety commend what God will condemn. He sees the intentions, and the aversion of heart to him and holiness, and though he may reward virtuous conduct in this world, to encourage virtue, yet will eventually judge righteous judgment, and connect every action with its motives. This scripture also shews us not only, that the _material goodness_ of actions will not recommend them to God, but that _conscientiousness_ in the discharge of relative duties, (for this must have existed before the flood,) will not recommend them where the love of God, which is peculiar to the renewed mind, is absent. Footnote 69: _The Marcionites in the second century, and the Manichees in the third._ Footnote 70: _See Page 54-57, ante._ Footnote 71: _See a book, supposed to be written in defence hereof by Glanvil, entitled, Lux Orientalis._ Footnote 72: