(2.) By its Tendency and Influence, it prompts us to do those things which are most acceptable to Sense, or agreeable to our worldly and carnal Ends. The Flesh operateth several ways, according to Mens callings, occasions or constitutions, Isa. 53. 6. 1 Joh. 2. 16. As every Soil beareth such Weeds as are most suitable to the Nature and Quality of the Ground: so some are enslaved by this, some by that particular Sin, yet all of them alike opposite to God. Differences there are as to the choice of their way wherein they please the Flesh, some in a more gross, some in a more cleanly manner, yet they all walk in the Lust of the Flesh, following inbred Corruption as their Guide, or obey it either in a way of Worldliness, Ambition or Sensuality. Some ways are more blameless before the World, because they less deserve a Worldly Interest; some are so prodigiously wicked, that they cause a Horror, even in Mankind though degenerated. Now after Conversion, some of our former Sins cripple us, and we halt ⟨p. 198⟩of the old Maim still; and it is not enough to stop one gap, while corruption runneth out at many more, but we must make Conscience of not fulfilling the Lusts of the Flesh in any kind. Well now, I have showed you the two Principles which are in a Christian, That we may have a Sense of our imbecility, and that we are but regenerated in part.
(2.) By its Tendency and Influence, it prompts us to do those things which are most acceptable to Sense, or agreeable to our worldly and carnal Ends. The Flesh operateth several ways, according to Mens callings, occasions or constitutions, Isa. 53. 6. 1 Ioh. 2. 16. As every Soil beareth such Weeds as are most suitable to the Nature and Quality of the Ground: so some are enslaved by this, some by that particular Sin, yet all of them alike opposite to God. Differences there are as to the choice of their way wherein they please the Flesh, some in a more gross, some in a more cleanly manner, yet they all walk in the Lust of the Flesh, following inbred Corruption as their Guide, or obey it either in a way of Worldliness, Ambition or Sensuality. Some ways are more blameless before the World, because they less deserve a Worldly Interest; some are so prodigiously wicked, that they cause a Horror, even in Mankind though degenerated. Now after Conversion, some of our former Sins cripple us, and we halt ⟨p. 198⟩of the old Maim still; and it is not enough to stop one gap, while corruption runneth out at many more, but we must make Conscience of not fulfilling the Lusts of the Flesh in any kind. Well now, I have shewed you the two Principles which are in a Christian, That we may have a Sence of our imbecillity, and that we are but regenerated in part.
