The following ingenious illustration gives a very precise and distinct statement of our author's views of this part of this subject:
‘That judgment which was pronounced upon Adam for his sin came upon all men; or, the Judge decreed that the sentence passed upon Adam should as to the things inflicted, in themselves considered, light upon his posterity. Just as if a father for some irregularity in his first child should determine to lay a restraint upon him in diet, dress, or diversions, and at the same time should judge it expedient to make it a rule with all the other children he might afterwards have. In this instance, it is easy to see how the judgment to condemnation pronounced upon the offence of the first-born cometh upon the other children, even before they are brought into the world; without any injustice, nay, perhaps, with a great deal of goodness, on the father's part. Upon the first it is a proper punishment; on the second it cometh as a wholesome discipline; and yet, through the offence of one, they are debarred some pleasures or enjoyments. By the offence of one, the judgment to condemnation cometh upon all the rest; by one child's offence, restraint reigneth; and by one child's disobedience the many that come after him are made sinners or sufferers; as they are deprived of some enjoyments which they might be fond of, but which the Father saw, every thing considered, would not be for their good.’1
