A20756:140
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.
Now this strength of the flesh unless it be wounded, subdued and kept under by Gods spirit, is always in it full vigour, yea in daily growth, notwithstanding all natural means which can be used. For the decay of nature it self doeth not make it decay, but even in sickness it retaineth health and vigour, and when through old age the body is weak and decrepit it continueth firm and strong.
Now this strength of the flesh vnlesse it be wounded, subdued and kept vnder by Gods spirit, is alwayes in it full vigour, yea in daily growth, notwithstanding all naturall meanes which can be vsed. For the decay of nature it selfe doeth not make it decay, but euen in sicknesse it retaineth health and vigour, and when through olde age the body is weake and decrepite it continueth firme and strong.
1So also if we compare it with the spiritual part, the flesh is much greater and stronger; and therefore would easily ⟨p. 83⟩overcome it and quench all Gods graces in us, if God should leave us to our selves to be supported and defended by the strength which we have received, and not continually send us new supplies, and uphold us with the power of his own spirit. For the Apostle telleth us, that in this life we have received but first fruits of the spirit, which is but an handful 2in comparison of the harvest, the whole crop of grace being reserved, till we shall receive with it the fullness of glory. And in regard that the flesh in quantity did so much exceed the spirit, he sticketh not to say, that the Corinthians though sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints, were carnal and but babes in Christ; yea having himself 3received such a great measure of grace, he notwithstanding in the sight and sense of his great corruption acknowledgeth 4