A20756:137
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.
Neither were any outward helps available, because being possessed and ruled by this legion of wicked lusts, like the Demoniac in the Gospel, nothing would contain them nor restrain their fury, but they break easily all those chains, gives, and 1fetters wherewith they were bound, being (like mad men) a like harmful both to themselves and others. For neither would Gods love and many benefits allure them and contain them in obedience, nor his wrath and fearful judgements terrify and restrain them from sin; Neither the law of God, containing so many gracious promises to them who obeyed it, and so many terrible threatenings against them that transgressed it, both of temporary plagues and everlasting punishments; nor the execution of these dreadful judgements in the punishment of the whole world ⟨p. 81⟩by a universal deluge, of Sodom & Gomorrah with fire and brimstone, with many other cities & countries which have been made examples of Gods wrath against sin; besides the experience of innumerable particular persons, and even of themselves, visited by the hand of God in a fearful manner, were all sufficient and strong enough to curb and keep under, these sinful passions and corrupt lusts, nor to subdue and thrust out of his regency this powerful tyrant the flesh; till Christ Jesus himself came who is the wisdom and power of his father, & conquered him on his cross, triumphing gloriously over him together with the rest of our spiritual enemies; and until he apply the virtue of this victory unto us and by his powerful spirit, which is infinitely stronger then all men and Angels, do vanquish this mighty tyrant, give him a deadly wound of which he continually languisheth, and deposing him from his regency, do set up in our hearts the gracious and glorious kingdom of our blessed Saviour. So that we may conclude this 2point with the saying of Cyril. The voluptuous lusts of the flesh without doubt are of mighty power, by which the minds of men are wholly diverted from all honesty and goodness.
Neither were any outward helps auaileable, because being possessed and ruled by this legion of wicked lusts, like the Doemoniake in the Gospell, nothing would containe them nor restraine their fury, but they break easily all those chaines, giues, and