Because the Article teaches that it is "since the fall of Adam."
Prove that this is the case.
Rom. viii. 8; 1 Cor. ii. 14; 2 Cor. iii. 5. "They that are in the flesh cannot please God; the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; we are not sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves."
What connection has this fact with the condition of the will of man?
It shows that natural corruption deprives the will of strength effectually to choose what is good.
What then does our will need, in order to give us "power to do good works pleasant and acceptable to God?"
To be prevented, that we may have a good will, and to be assisted, when we have that good will.
What is meant by preventing our wills?
Stirring them up and directing them.
Prove that we need this.
John vi. 44. Our Lord said, "No man can come unto Me, except the Father draw him."
What supplies this need of ours?
"The grace" or favour " of God." Phil. ii. 13; St. John vi. 44.
By whom does this grace come to mankind?
"By Christ."
What is necessary after we have a good will?
