A commentary of M. John Calvin, upon the Epistle to the Colossians. And translated…A commentarie of M. Iohn Caluine, vpon the Epistle to the Colossians. And translated…

5 Mortify therefore.) Hitherto he hath spoken of the contempt of the world: now he goeth farther, and entreateth to an higher (kind of) Philosophy, concerning the mortification of the flesh. That this may be done the more plainly, let us note that mortification is twofold or double. the first respecteth those things that are about us, of which he hath entreated hitherto. the other is inward: namely of the disposition and will, and of our whole nature corrupted and infected. And he reckoneth up certain vices, which he unproperly calleth members, but yet elegantly. For he imagineth our nature (to be) as a mass or sow cast out of many vices. They are then our members, which stick unto us as close as it were, as burrs. He also calleth them earthly, alluding to that which he spake, in the second verse, viZ. ⟨p. 65⟩Not which are upon the earth, but yet in another sense. This kind of speaking is as much as if he had said, I have warned you that earthly things are not to be regarded: yet must you travail about this that you mortify the vices which detain you in the earth. And he meaneth that we as long as the vices of the flesh do flourish in us, are earthly: but we are made heavenly by the renewing of the Spirit. After whoredom he putteth Uncleanness, by which word he putteth all kind of wantonness, wherewith lecherous men defile themselves. Unto these is added [Greek or Hebrew] that is in latin Mollities, which is englished inordinate affection, which comprehendeth all the allurements of Lechery. Although this word doeth otherwise signify perturbations or trouble of the mind, and untemperate motions contrary to reason: yet to this place doth well agree mollities. Why covetousness is called the worshipping of Images, seek out of the Epistle to the Ephesians, lest I should do one thing twice.

5 Mortifie therefore.) Hitherto he hath spokē of the contempt of the world: now he goeth farther, and intreateth to an higher (kinde of) Philosophie, concearning the mortification of the fleshe. That this may be done the more playnly, let vs note that mortification is twofolde or double. the first respecteth those thinges that are about vs, of which he hath entreated hetherto. the other is inward: namelye of the disposition and will, and of our whole nature corrupted and infected. And he reckeneth vp certayne vices, which he vnproperly calleth members, but yet elegantly. For he imagineth our nature (to be) as a masse or sowe cast out of many vices. They are then our members, which sticke vnto vs as close as it were, as burres. He also calleth them earthly, alluding to that which he spake, in the second verse, viZ.