A20756:134
The conflict between the flesh and the spirit. Or the last part of The…The conflict betvveene the flesh and the spirit. Or the last part of The…
The conflict between the flesh and the spirit. Or the last part of The Christian warfare wherein is described the nature of these combatants, the malice and power of the flesh and fleshly lusts, with the means whereby we may subdue and overcome them. By John Downame Bachelor in Divinity, and preacher of Gods Word.The conflict betvveene the flesh and the spirit. Or the last part of The Christian warfare wherein is described the nature of these combatants, the malice and power of the flesh and fleshly lusts, with the meanes whereby we may subdue and ouercome them. By Iohn Dovvname Batchelar in Diuinitie, and preacher of Gods Word.
London: printed by William Jones, 1618London: printed by William Iones, 1618
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
CHAP. IX. That the flesh is an enemy exceeding powerful and mighty.
CHAP. IX. That the flesh is an enemy exceeding powerfull and mightie.
1WE have showed that the flesh is a most malicious enemy, so that it wanteth no will to bring us to destruction: And now it remaineth that we show how mighty and powerful it is in effecting that which it desireth and lusteth. The which will appear if we consider the mighty power, and subtle policy of these malicious enemies. Their power appeareth both in regard of their strength and number. For the first, if we look upon the flesh in it full strength, as it is 2in a man unregenerate, and is not subdued nor hath the vigour thereof abated by Gods spirit, we shall find that it reigneth as a mighty monarch in the little world of man, holding every faculty, power and part both of soul and body in subjection. The which the Apostle plainly intimateth, where he exhorteth those whom Christ by his spirit hath regenerated and freed from this regiment, not to let sin reign in their mortal bodies, that they should obey ⟨p. 80⟩it in the lusts thereof. Yea it reigneth not only as a King and absolute sovereign; but as a Lord or tyrant who having conquered mankind doth hold them in subjection as miserable captives and bondslaves, selling them over to the committing of all actual transgressions, for the base price of earthly vanities. The which the Apostle intimateth in these words; but I am carnal, sold under sin. Whereby 3he signifieth that the flesh dealt with him like a proud and cruel tyrant, seizing upon him like one who had bought a slave in the market, and forcibly compelling him to do his will. The which if the Apostle might truly speak of himself though he were regenerate, in respect of that part which remained unsanctified, then how much more may it be verified of those who remain in the state of corruption and unregenerate, who are wholly under the dominion of sin? Now if we would see with what power and unresistable force, this cruel tyrant did rule in all the sons of men, whilst they remained in the state of corruption, hereby it will appear in that they were so utterly unable to free themselves out of this thraldom, that they never durst nor could attempt their liberty, because their wills were no less captivated, then their other parts and faculties, and it was their chief delight to live in this slavery.