"Even papists could not see that a moral evil was detained in the soul through its physical connection with the body; and that it required the dissolution of this physical connection before the moral contagion could be removed"

Adam Clarke, a prominent British theologian and biblical scholar, offers an interesting commentary on the idea of sin, morality, and the human condition in the quote supplied. At its core, Clarke is talking about the complex relationship between the body and the soul, and the perseverance of ethical evil within this dynamic.

The term "papists" refers to adherents of the Roman Catholic Church, a common term utilized by Protestant thinkers during Clarke's time, typically in a pejorative context. By invoking "papists", Clarke might be contrasting Protestant and Catholic understandings of sin and redemption. Both customs settle on the fundamental sinfulness of mankind, yet they differ in their methods to absolution and sanctification.

Clarke's statement suggests a belief that ethical evil is inherently tied to the human soul due to its "physical connection with the body". This implies that as long as the soul resides within a physical form, it is susceptible to moral corruption. The body, with its impulses and desires, frequently has a hard time to line up with higher moral and spiritual goals. For that reason, Clarke might be arguing that moral evil, or sin, is inevitable as long as the body and soul are united.

Moreover, he hints at a doctrine of filtration or redemption that involves the "dissolution of this physical connection". This can be interpreted to imply that real pureness or release from sin is only possible upon death, when the soul is finally separated from the physique. This dissolution might represent the final liberation from the earthly vessel that harbors sin, permitting the soul to attain a state of purity or potentially to meet magnificent judgment.

In amount, Clarke's reflection delves into the Protestant understanding of the human condition, emphasizing the natural dispute between physicality and morality. It highlights the consistent battle with sinfulness in life and the belief in a more extensive filtration beyond physical presence. This perspective resonates with doctrinal discussions on the nature of sin and the supreme hope for redemption and purification in the afterlife.