The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

Indeed I conceive it an hard matter to prove, that by divine appointment one hand should be more useful then the other: but as God hath given us two eyes, and two ears, so two hands, to use both indifferently, and that if need required the one might supply the loss of the other: if any, methinks the left hand should be preferred, because it is nearest the heart, the fountain of life, and activity: but Christ takes them, as he finds them, as he doth in many other cases, and as we have ordered the matter, the right hand is more active and strong then the other, and so more precious: but to our purpose.

Indeed I conceive it an hard matter to prove, that by divine appointment one hand should be more useful then the other: but as God hath given us two eyes, and two ears, so two hands, to use both indifferently, and that if need required the one might supply the loss of the other: if any, methinks the left hand should be preferred, because it is neerest the heart, the fountain of life, and activity: but Christ takes them, as he finds them, as he doth in many other cases, and as we have ordered the matter, the right hand is more active and strong then the other, and so more precious: but to our purpose.

Some, I say, by the right eye, and the right hand, understand our beloved lusts; it is the usage of the Spirit of God in the Scriptures, in a figurative way to express corruption by the parts and members of our bodies: so St. Paul, Rom. 7.23. I see another law in my members, ¹warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, which is in my members? and the same Apostle, Col. 3.5.² Mortify therefore your members, which are upon the earth, fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, &c. as the members of the natural body need castigation,