Sermons preached

(3.) There is another acceptation of Flesh and Spirit: that is, that Spirit signifieth the uncreated Spirit, who is the Author of Grace: As Joh. 3. 5. Except a Man be born again of Water, and the Spirit. Where Spirit is put for the Holy Ghost, who immediately worketh Grace in us, called therefore the Spirit of Sanctification, as that Saving Grace which is the effect of his work is called the Sanctification of the Spirit. And the opposite Principle, Flesh, signifieth the corrupt Nature of Man, as Joh. 3. 6. That which is born of the Flesh, is Flesh; Corrupt, Sinful, inclined to earthly things. Now though this would bear a good sense to interpret Flesh and Spirit of the Holy Ghost, and Concupiscence or natural Corruption, (for no question he concurreth to the mortifying of the old Man, till Sin be wholly expelled, Rom. 8. 23. and still doth quicken and excite the new Man to Action, Gal. 4. 25.) yet here the Apostle speaks of two inherent Principles.

(3.) There is another acceptation of Flesh and Spirit: that is, that Spirit signifieth the uncreated Spirit, who is the Author of Grace: As Joh. 3. 5. Except a Man be born again of Water, and the Spirit. Where Spirit is put for the Holy Ghost, who immediately worketh Grace in us, called therefore the Spirit of Sanctification, as that Saving Grace which is the effect of his work is called the Sanctification of the Spirit. And the opposite Principle, Flesh, signifieth the corrupt Nature of Man, as Joh. 3. 6. That which is born of the Flesh, is Flesh; Corrupt, Sinful, inclined to earthly things. Now though this would bear a good sense to interpret Flesh and Spirit of the Holy Ghost, and Concupisence or natural Corruption, (for no question he concurreth to the mortifying of the old Man, till Sin be wholly expelled, Rom. 8. 23. and still doth quicken and excite the new Man to Action,