A20756:138
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.
1But least those who are regenerate should contemn this enemy, as being weak and impotent, because it is in part mortified & the strength thereof abated by virtue of Gods spirit dwelling in them; let us in the next place know, that though it be not in them so puissant and powerful as in those who remain in their natural corruption, yet it is exceeding strong and mighty, whether we consider it simply in it self, as it worketh and rebelleth in those who are sanctified, or compare it with the spiritual and regenerate part. The former is notably set down by the Apostle in his own person, in the seventh chapter of the Epistle to the Romans, where he showeth that this corrupt and sinful flesh is so far off from any conformity to the law, that taking occasion by the commandment, it wrought in him all manner of concupiscence, and so abused the law which was purposely given to restrain him from sin, and to ⟨p. 82⟩subdue and mortify his corruptions, as a means to give strength, life and vigour unto it. Whereby the law which was ordained to life, became to be unto death. Further showing 2the power of his fleshly corruption he saith, that it took occasion by the commandment to deceive and slay him, working 3death unto him by that which is good; that it overcame him 4and like a slave sold him under sin, that it made him to do that which he allowed not, to omit the good which he affected, and 5commit the evil which he hated; that though he were delighted 6in the law of God and desired to obey it, yet evil was present with bim That though he constantly resolved to serve 7God, yet the flesh like a strong rebel making war against 8