A09473:142
Two treatises· I. Of the nature and practise of repentance. II. Of the combat…Tvvo treatises· I. Of the nature and practise of repentance. II. Of the combat…
Two treatises· I. Of the nature and practise of repentance. II. Of the combat of the flesh and spirit.Tvvo treatises· I. Of the nature and practise of repentance. II. Of the combat of the flesh and spirit.
Cambridge: printed by John Legate printer to the University of Cambridge. 1593., 1593Cambridge: printed by Iohn Legate printer to the Vniversitie of Cambridge. 1593., 1593
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.
In this verse we have to observe 5. points. The first that there is a combat between the flesh & the spirit in these words, The flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh. The second is the manner of this combat, which stands in the contrary lusting of the flesh and the spirit. The third is the cause of the combat in these words, and these are contrary. The fourth is the subject or person in whom this: combat is, noted in these words, So that ye, the Galatians. The last is the effect of the combat, in the last words, that they cannot do, &c.
In this verse we haue to obserue 5. points. The first that there is a combat betwene the flesh & the spirit in these words, The flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh. The second is the maner of this combat, which stands in the contrary lusting of the flesh and the spirit. The third is the cause of the combat in these words, and these are contrary. The fourth is the subiect or person in whō this: combat is, noted in these words, So that yee, the Galatians. The last is the effect of the cōbat, in the last words, that they cānot do, &c.
Touching the combat it self, divers points are to be considered. The first, what these two, which make combat, namely, the flesh and the spirit, are. They have divers significations. First of all, the spirit is taken for the soul, and the flesh for the body. But so they are not taken in this place. For there is no such combat between the body & the soul: both which agree together to make the person of one man. ⟨p. 73⟩Secondly, the spirit signifies natural reason, & the flesh the natural appetite or concupiscence. But they cannot be so understood in this place. For the spirit here mentioned doth fight even against natural reason: which though it serve to make a man without excuse, yet is it an enemy to the spirit. Thirdly, the spirit signifies the godhead of Christ, and the flesh the manhood: but it must not be so taken here. For then every man regenerate should be deified. Lastly, the spirit signifies a created quality of holiness, which by the holy ghost is wrought in the mind, will, & affections of man: & the flesh, the natural corruption or inclination of the mind, will, and affections to that which is against the law. In this first these twain are taken in this place.