"Nor can the Apostle mean that Eve only sinned; or that she only was Deceived, for if Adam sinned willfully and knowingly, he became the greater Transgressor"

In this quote, Mary Astell is arguing that Adam was the higher transgressor in the Garden of Eden. She is stating that Adam sinned willfully and knowingly, and thus was the higher criminal than Eve. She is indicating that Eve was tricked, but that Adam was not. Astell is suggesting that Adam was more culpable for his actions than Eve, as he knew the consequences of his actions and still picked to disobey God. This quote is an example of Astell's feminist views, as she is arguing that Adam should be held more responsible for his actions than Eve. She is also suggesting that females should not be held to a higher standard than males, which both ought to be held similarly accountable for their actions. Astell's quote is a crucial reminder that men and women ought to be dealt with equally, and that nobody needs to be held to a higher standard than the other.