A treatise of original sin ... proving that it is

Why Original Sin is called a Body.

Why Original Sinne is called a Body.

But let us consider, Why it hath such a name given to it. And

BUt let us consider, Why it hath such a name given to it. And

First, It is to show, That original sin doth not lie latent in our breasts, but putteth it self forth visibly in all the operations of the body: That as the Godhead is said to dwell in Christ boa•ly, and the Word was made flesh, because the Divine Nature which is immaterial and invisible, did through the body become as it were visible. Thus we may say, Original sin dwelleth in us bodily, and that it is made our flesh, because in and through all bodily actions, it doth manifest it self both to our selves and others: It is then the body of sin, because it makes it self outward visible, and doth as it were incarnate sin, hence it is called the outward man: Indeed it is disputed, whether 2 Cor. 4. 16. where the Apostle saith, Though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed daily; By outward man there is meant the body only, or original sin in the bodily deeds thereof; Most do interpret it of the body only, yet Paraeus understands it of original sin with the body, That as the body and original corruptions with the effects thereof are constantly dying, being mortified by the Spirit of God, so the inward man, which is the work of grace, is daily more confirmed; Howsoever this be, yet it is plain, Rom. 7. 22. That the work of grace within us, being called the inward man, that by opposition, original corruption must be the outward man, and therefore called, The Law in our members. It is thought by Nerimbergius, that the Apostle taketh this distinction of an outward and inward man from Plato, out of whom he quoteth a place, with some vicinity to Paul's expression. This is certain, That original sin may well be called, a body, and the Law in our members, because by these it doth so palpably put forth its self: Insomuch that we may wonder any will not believe there is original sin, for it is obvious to the sense, they may behold the effects of it, that as you may know a man hath a soul, because he speaketh and laugheth, though you cannot see the soul: Thus though you cannot see original sin, yet because as soon as ever the child can speak or do any thing, you see vanity and sin put forth it self, therefore you may conclude there is original sin: Thou then, that wilt not be convinced of it by Scripture, by reasons and several Authorities, we send thee to experience;