A60194:2280
A learned commentary or exposition
A learned commentary or exposition: upon the first chapter of the second Epistle of S. Paul to the Corinthians Being the substance of many sermons formerly preached at Gray's-Inn, London, by that reverend and judicious divine, Richard Sibbs, D.D. Sometimes Master of Catherine-Hall in Cambridge, and preacher to that honourable society. Published for the public good and benefit of the Church of Christ. By Tho. Manton, B.D. and preacher of the Gospel at Stoke-Newington, near London.A learned commentary or exposition: upon the first chapter of the second Epistle of S. Paul to the Corinthians Being the substance of many sermons formerly preached at Grayes-Inne, London, by that reverend and judicious divine, Richard Sibbs, D.D. Sometimes Master of Catherine-Hall in Cambridge, and preacher to that honourable society. Published for the publick good and benefit of the Church of Christ. By Tho. Manton, B.D. and preacher of the Gospel at Stoake-Newington, near London.
London: printed by J.L. for N.B., 1655
A COMMENTARY upon the first CHAPTER of the second Epistle of S. PAU… › Commentary on verse 17
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
But why is it called flesh?
For many reasons: among many this is one, that the soul so far as it is 1sinful, it is led with things that are fleshly, that are outward, and thereupon a man is called flesh: and the soul it self is called flesh, because it cleaves in its affections, and desires to earthly things. And because the poor understanding now, which ruled all, and should rule all, is become an underling to the carnal will, and carnal lusts; Therefore it self is called flesh likewise, The wisdom of the flesh is enmity with God. For now it is swayed even which way carnal fancy, and opinion, and the flesh lead it.
For many reasons: among many this is one, that the soul so far as it is 1sinful, it is led with things that are fleshly, that are outward, and thereupon a man is called flesh: and the soul it self is called flesh, because it cleaves in its affections, and desires to earthly things. And because the poor understanding now, which ruled all, and should rule all, is become an underling to the carnal will, and carnal lusts; Therefore it self is called flesh likewise, The wisdome of the flesh is enmity with God. For now it is swayed even which way carnal fancy, and opinion, and the flesh lead it.
- 1Why so called.
The reason is, it is betwixt God and heavenly things, and betwixt earthly things. And if it were in its right original as it came out of Gods hands, being a Spirit, it should be led by God, and by Gods Spirit, and Gods Truth; by better things then it self: (as every infirm thing is guided by that which is better then it self: as brute creatures are guided by men, and weaker persons by Magistrates that are, or should be better,) but now since the fall, without Grace renew a man, the understanding part of mans soul instead of lighting its candle from heaven, it often lights it from hell, and is ruled by Satan himself, and takes advice even from things meaner then it self, and plots, and projects altogether for things worse then it self. It was not given for that end, (God knows that give it) this soul of ours, to prowl for earthly things; for the ease, and honour, and profits, and pleasures of the world. That excellent Jewel that all the world is not worth, it was not given for that end: no, it was given to attain a higher end then this world, to attain communion with God: but now since the fall it is thus with it, that it is a slave: Carnal wit is a slave to carnal will; and that carnal will is drawn by carnal affections: affections draw the will, and the will draws the wit, and makes it plot and devise for that which it stands for; for carnal lusts and affections which whet the wit that way: therefore the whole soul is called flesh, even reason it self.