On the Imputation of Adam's First Sin · §92 · Josué de la Place (Placeus)

Chapter 9: Heb. 7:9 – 10 called to examine immediate imputation

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CAPUT IX. The doctrine of the imputation of the first sin is called to examination from Hebrews 7:9–10, on Levi being tithed in Abraham's loins. I. That the doctrine of antecedent or immediate imputation of the first sin rests on no foundations in Scripture is already, I think, plain. Can it at least be illustrated — for it certainly cannot be proved — from Hebrews 7:9–10, where Levi is said to have been tithed in Abraham's loins? Let us see in a few words. D. Garissoles says it is customary for theologians to declare from this place the nature and reason of original sin as it passes into us from Adam. He said well, "of original sin": for he names certain writers who not only do not teach immediate imputation, but openly condemn it. I could bring forward many places from Augustine, Bucer, Martyr, Gualther, Gerhard, and others; but lest I seem longer than is fair in a clear matter, I will be content with these words of Anselm alone.

Latin

CAPVT IX. Declaratio doctrinae de Imputatione primi peccati, Ex Hebr. cap. 7. verf. 9. 10. de decimatione Levi in lumbis Abrahae, vocatur ad examen. I. Doctrinam de imputatione primi peccati antecedente seu immediata nullis Scripturae fundamentis innixam esse jam, opinor, patet. Num ea saltem illustrari possit, nam probari certe non potest, ex Hebr. vii. 9. 10. ubi dicitur Levi decimatus in lumbis Abrahae, paucis videamus. Ait D. G. Originalis peccati in nos ex Adamo transeuntis naturam & rationem ex hoc loco declarare Theologis solemne esse. Bene dixit originalis peccati: Nominat enim quosdam qui imputationem immediatam non modo non docent, sed aperte damnant. Possem ex Augustino, Bucero, Martyre, Gualtero, Gerhardo, &c. multa loca proferre: sed ne in re clara aequo longior videar, unius Anselmi his verbis ero contentus.

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Josué de la Place (Placeus) on the imputation of Adam's first sin: chapters 1 to 12 and 14, and the later disputation up to its chapter on Romans 5:14, from the Latin. The rest is not yet translated.

Josué de la Place (c. 1596–1655), known in Latin as Placeus, was pastor at Nantes and from 1633 professor of theology at the Academy of Saumur, the school of Cameron and Amyraut.

On the Imputation of Adam's First Sin argues the distinctive Saumur thesis: Adam's sin reaches his posterity only mediately, through the inherited corruption — never by immediate reckoning of a sin they did not commit. Fellow Reformed theologians rejected the view, but the book remains its classic statement.

Part only: Chapters 1–12 and 14, and the disputation up to Romans 5:14

Datec. 1645–1655 AD (written after the 1645 Synod of Charenton, and read in draft by Drelincourt by 10 December 1653; printed posthumously at Saumur, 1661; Reformed / Amyraldian circle)

The English is made from the 1661 Saumur Latin of chapters 1 to 12 and 14 and part of the later disputation. No earlier English was copied.

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