A Scripture Catechism
in the
Method of the Assembly's

by Matthew Henry

Q. 13. Did our first parents continue in the state wherein they were first created?
A. Our first parents being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the state wherein they were created, by sinning against God.

1. Is man now in the state wherein he was created? No: for God made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions, Eccl. 7:29. Can we now say we are perfectly holy? No: If I say I am perfect, that shall prove me perverse, Job 9:20. Can we say we are perfectly happy? No: for man is born to trouble, Job 5:7. Are we as we were then? No: man was planted a noble vine, but is turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine, Jer. 2:21. Did man continue long in his state of innocence? No: For man being in honour abideth not, Ps. 49:42.

2. Did God leave man to the freedom of his own will? Yes : For if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it, Prov. 9:12. Did God draw Adam to sin? No : for God tempteth no man, James 1:13. Is he any way the Author of' sin? No: far be it from God that he should do wickedness, Job 34:10. Did he do what was fit to be done to prevent it? Yes: What could have been done more to my vineyard? Isa. 5:4. Was he obliged to do more? No: for may he not do what he will with his own? Matt. 20:15. Does all the blame of man's sin lie upon himself then? Yes : 0 Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, Hos. 13:9.

3. Did man fall by sinning against God? Yes: Thou hast fallen by thine iniquity, Hos. 14:1. Was that the beginning of sin in this world? Yes: for by one man sin entered into the world, Rom, 5:12.