Question 17

Is Mankind in a State of Sin?

Yes. For both Jews and Gentiles are all under Sin,^a

Is a State of Sin a sad State?

Yes. For they that are in the Flesh cannot please God,^b

Did the Fall bring us into a State of Sin?

Yes. For by it many were made Sinners,^c

Doth the World continue in that State?

Yes. For the whole World lyes in Wickedness,^d

And are you by Nature in that State?

Yes. If I justifie my self, my own Mouth shall condemn me,^e

Is Mankind in a State of Misery?

Yes. The Misery of Man is great upon him,^f

Is Sin the Cause of all that Misery?

Yes. For Death entred by Sin, and so Death passed upon all Men,^g

Is Misery the Consequent of Sin?

Yes. For Evil pursues Sinners,^h

Do all the Creatures share in the sad Effects of Sin?

Yes. Cursed is the Ground for thy sake,ⁱ

And cou’d all this Mischief come from that one Sin?

Yes. For how great a Matter doth a little Fire kindle?^j

Did the Fall bring Mankind into a State of Apostacy from God?

Yes. For they are all gone aside,^k

Is that a sinful State?

Yes. For it is great Whoredom to depart from the Lord,^l

And is it a miserable State?

Yes. Wo unto them, for they have fled from me,^m

Did the Fall bring Mankind into a State of Slavery to Satan?

Yes. For they are taken Captive by him at his Will,ⁿ

Is that a sinful State?

Yes. For the Prince of the Power of the Air works in the Children of Disobedience,^o

Is it a miserable State?

Yes. For the God of this World hath blinded their Minds,^p

Is it like the Condition of the Prodigal Son?

Yes. For he went into a far Country, wasted his Substance, began to be in Want, and was sent into the Fields to feed Swine,^q