An expository comment, doctrinal, controversial, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…An expository comment, doctrinal, controversal, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…

by Gods dispensation to him in that affliction, which he calleth a thorn in the flesh, and the messenger of Satan buffeting of him. I would easily yield to that learned man, That the thorn in the flesh was not libidinous or lustful temptations, which some have thought, not so much for that reason which he giveth, that it is likely God would cure one sin by another sin, a less sin by a greater. (For carnal sins are said to be less than spiritual; and it is often Gods way, to cure the sins of his people by letting them fall into sin, driving out poison by poison) as because the Context doth more incline another way, as might be showed. Yea there is one place, which puts it out of all doubt, that Paul needed both afflictions from God, and voluntary humiliations of himself, lest sparks within should quickly become a flame, by that known place, 1 Cor. 9. 22. I keep under my body, and bring it in subjection, lest when I have preached to others I my self become a cast-away. It's an allusion to those who run in a race, as the verse precedent showeth, who did strictly observe their diet and order, their body being temperate in all things, that they might obtain victory. Thus Paul in his Christian race was jealous of corruption arising in him, and clogging of him, and so retard him therein.

by Gods dispensation to him in that affliction, which he calleth a thorn in the flesh, and the messenger of Satan buffeting of him. I would easily yeeld to that learned man, That the thorn in the flesh was not libidinous or lustfull temptations, which some have thought, not so much for that reason which he giveth, that it is likely God would cure one sinne by another sinne, a lesse sinne by a greater. (For carnal sinnes are said to be lesse than spiritual; and it is often Gods way, to cure the sinnes of his people by letting them fall into sinne, driving out poison by poison) as because the Context doth more incline another way, as might be shewed. Yea there is one place, which puts it out of all doubt, that Paul needed both afflictions from God, and voluntary humiliations of himself, lest sparks within should quickly become a flame, by that known place, 1 Cor. 9. 22. I keep under my body, and bring it in subjection, lest when I have preached to others I my self become a cast-away. It's an allusion to those who runne in a race, as the verse precedent sheweth, who did strictly observe their diet and order, their body being temperate in all things, that they might obtain victory. Thus Paul in his Christian race was jealous of corruption arising in him, and clogging of him, and so retard him therein.